Mary de Lellis Gough facts for kids
Sister Mary de Lellis Gough (born February 15, 1892, died April 7, 1983) was an amazing Irish-American mathematician. She was also a nun who dedicated her life to learning and teaching.
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Who Was Mary de Lellis Gough?
Mary de Lellis Gough was born in Kilmore, County Wexford, a beautiful place in Ireland. Her parents were Ellen Dunne and Walter Gough. When she was 17 years old, in 1909, she traveled to Texas in the United States. She came with a group of other young Irish women.
Joining a Religious Community
Once in Texas, Mary joined a special group called the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. This is a community of Catholic nuns. In 1911, she made her official promises, called vows, to become a nun. This is when she took the name Mary de Lellis.
Becoming a Mathematician
Even while working as a high school teacher, Mary de Lellis Gough continued her own studies. She went to the Catholic University of America. She worked very hard and earned her first degree in 1920. She then got a master's degree in 1923.
Earning Her Doctorate
Mary de Lellis Gough kept studying and achieved a very high level of education. She completed her PhD, which is a special doctorate degree, in 1931 from the same university. For her PhD, she wrote a very long and important research paper. It was about complex shapes in mathematics. Her professor, Aubrey Edward Landry, helped guide her research.
Teaching and Inspiring Others
After earning her degrees, Sister Mary de Lellis Gough became a mathematics professor. She taught at Incarnate Word College. She taught there for many years, from 1920 to 1943. She helped many students learn and love mathematics.
