(July 30, 1915 - Novembr 19, 2012)
Word has been received of the death of Sister Martha Neeser, who died at 1:35 a.m. on Monday, November 19, 2012, in Saint Mary’s Convent, Notre Dame, Indiana.
Martha Neeser, formally Sister M. Ambrosia, was one of nine children born to Margaret Ann McNamara Neeser and Alma Jacob Neeser. The family were ranchers in Idaho.
Martha entered the congregation at age 20 and was a faithful member for over 77 years. Most of her ministry years were spent teaching in elementary schools in the West. In 1982 she left teaching and served as a parish minister at Saint Joseph’s Parish in Ogden, Utah. Two years later she retired to Saint Catherine by the Sea in Ventura, California. She served as a volunteer there until her return to Saint Mary’s in 2003.
Sister Martha contributed significantly to the local community wherever she found herself. She was known for her artistic talent. Sister M. Joseph Cecile (Voelker) remembers: “Martha loved art. She became proficient at collecting and pressing flowers to make lovely bookmarks and cards, which were popular items at the Saint Catherine’s Boutique.”
Those who knew Sister Martha best speak of her consistent, prayerful manner and generous availability both to her sisters and many laity. She was a kind person and had a lovely smile.
Finally, Sister Martha had a deep appreciation of family values that most probably stemmed from her early formation. Being one of nine children formed strong family bonds.
May Sister Martha rest in peace.
Martha Neeser, formally Sister M. Ambrosia, was one of nine children born to Margaret Ann McNamara Neeser and Alma Jacob Neeser. The family were ranchers in Idaho.
Martha entered the congregation at age 20 and was a faithful member for over 77 years. Most of her ministry years were spent teaching in elementary schools in the West. In 1982 she left teaching and served as a parish minister at Saint Joseph’s Parish in Ogden, Utah. Two years later she retired to Saint Catherine by the Sea in Ventura, California. She served as a volunteer there until her return to Saint Mary’s in 2003.
Sister Martha contributed significantly to the local community wherever she found herself. She was known for her artistic talent. Sister M. Joseph Cecile (Voelker) remembers: “Martha loved art. She became proficient at collecting and pressing flowers to make lovely bookmarks and cards, which were popular items at the Saint Catherine’s Boutique.”
Those who knew Sister Martha best speak of her consistent, prayerful manner and generous availability both to her sisters and many laity. She was a kind person and had a lovely smile.
Finally, Sister Martha had a deep appreciation of family values that most probably stemmed from her early formation. Being one of nine children formed strong family bonds.
May Sister Martha rest in peace.