SINSINAWA — Sister Helen Martin, OP, died October 9, 2020, at St. Dominic Villa, Hazel Green, Wis. Her religious name was Sister Marie Clara. The funeral Mass was held at the Dominican motherhouse Sinsinawa, October 15, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
Sister Helen made her first religious profession as a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa August 5, 1947, and her perpetual profession August 5, 1950. She taught for 18 years and served as principal for 36 years and in leadership positions for the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation for 14 years. Sister Helen served in Wisconsin, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Minnesota, Alabama and Washington.
In the Diocese of Madison, Sister Helen served as prioress of the Dominican Motherhouse, Sinsinawa, 1996-2001 and 2008.
Sister Helen was born Aug. 11, 1927, in Ladd, Ill., the daughter of James and Teresa (Flaherty) Martin. Her parents; two sisters, Sister Marie Martin, OP, and Kathryn Fiochi; and two brothers, James Martin and Joseph Martin, preceded her in death. She is survived by nieces, nephews and her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared 73 years of religious life.
Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or at www.sinsinawa.org/donate online.
Repeat broadcasts of the wake and funeral for Sister Helen are available online at www.sinsinawa.org/live Click on the “on demand” tab.