Sister Helen Martin, GNSH (Anne Joseph)

Written on: April 22, 2020

WORDS OF REMEMBRANCE

Sister Helen Martin, GNSH (formerly Sister Anne Joseph), 90, died April 20, 2020 in the 72^nd year of her religious life.  As a dedicated librarian, Sister served in the Ogdensburg, NY area from 1976 to 1997 working with people of all ages, from elementary school to College and beyond.  Sister staffed the Wadhams Seminary College Library in Ogdensburg for 18 years.  Sister also served as librarian at Canton Free Library and later staffed the library and media center at Grey Nun Academy in Yardley, PA.

Prior to her ministry as a librarian, Sister Helen was an elementary school teacher for 19 years in New York, Massachusetts, and Georgia. Sister served at Immaculate Conception, Lowell, MA (1951-52) and Christ the King (1952-59) and Immaculate Heart of Mary (1969-70) in Atlanta, GA.  In addition, Sister also taught at St. James, Depew NY (1959-67) and St. Mary’s, Potsdam NY (1967-69). Her teaching ministry ranged from grades 1 through 8 with the majority of her time in grades 6, 7 and 8.

Sister Helen held permanent teaching certificates in New York and Georgia, complementing a BA in Social Sciences from D’Youville College, Buffalo, NY (1954), and an MSLS from Villanova University (1972), PA.

Upon retirement to the Motherhouse in 1997, Sister Helen volunteered providing pastoral care services to the residents of D’Youville Manor, an assisted living residence on the Motherhouse property. In 2016 Sister moved to Holy Redeemer Lafayette.

A native of Ogdensburg, Sister was one of five children born to Charles P. and Anna M. (Hoagland) Martin.  Her ministry in the Diocese of Ogdensburg (Potsdam, Ogdensburg and Canton) spanned 22 years.

Sister is predeceased by her parents, a brother Charles E. and sisters, Anna White, Pauline (Polly) Ward and Rita Smith. Sister is survived by nieces and nephews, in addition to her religious family.

Due to recent events, a memorial service will be held for Sister Helen Martin at a later date. The Leadership of the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart will attend her burial on April 28, at 11 a.m. If you would like to join your prayers to ours, the PRAYERS OF COMMITTAL can be downloaded.

Donations in memory of Sister Helen Martin’s life of prayer and service will be gratefully received. Donations may be made on line here, or by mail to: Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, 14500 Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19116-1188. We are grateful for your prayers and support.

Arrangements by Beck-Givnish Funeral Homes, Inc.

This entry was posted in In Loving Memory and tagged: Canton Free library, Christ the King Atlanta GA, D'Youville College, D'Youville Manor, Grey Nun Academy, Holy Redeemer Lafayette, Immaculate Conception Lowell MA, librarian, Ogdensburg, Pastoral Care, Sister Anne Joseph, Sister Helen Martin, St. James Depew NY, St. Mary's Potsdam NY, Villanova University, Wadhams Seminary College Library