Sister Romana Hertel was born in 1915 in Stockbridge, Wisconsin as Gertrude Hertel. From an early age, Gertrude showed an aptitude and interest in music, and studied piano and organ in college. She eventually followed this degree up with a master’s in violin and a doctorate in musicology. Her thesis was written on Johann Wilhelm Hertel (family connection unknown).

After graduating high school, she entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi in 1933, accepting the name Sister M. Romana. Sister Romana took her first mission in 1936 as a music teacher at Sacred Heart in St. Francis. She transferred to a few different assignments over the years before settling at Cardinal Stritch University, where she headed the music department from 1954-1960.

Sister Romana composed as well as taught, entering her compositions into competitions under the pen name “Mario Roma.” She was also active in peace demonstrations and protests of U.S. foreign policies, played violin in concerts, volunteered with different local ministries, and taught private music lessons. In 2006, Stritch presented Sister Romana with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Peacemaker Award for her work in various ministries and advocacy. Sister Romana died on February 27, 2014 at the age of 98.