SISTER LEONILLA (PERPETUA) MARTIN

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SISTER LEONILLA (PERPETUA) MARTIN, RNDM Passed peacefully from this life on March 7, 2009 (the feast of St. Perpetua) at Misericordia Place, Winnipeg. She was surrounded by her Sisters, who sang and prayed with her as she made her passage. Perpetua had a long and varied life. She was born November 18, 1916, in the farming community of Lampman, Saskatchewan. Her parents Jacob and Leocadia (Steier) Martin and her older siblings welcomed Perpetua to this world, and were her initial experience of a loving faith community. On September 22, 1938 Perpetua joined the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions, receiving at that time the religious name of Mary Leonilla. She made her profession of perpetual vows on July 27, 1947 at Sacred Heart College, Regina, SK. Much of Leonilla's life was spent in the service of her religious community as cook, seamstress, portress, and laundress. She rendered this invaluable service at Sacred Heart College, Regina (1941-43) and (1986-88); at St. Gabriel's Convent in Lebret, SK. (1944-46) (1949-54); at St. Raphael's Wolseley, SK (1948); at St. Jude's Convent in Fort Frances (1978-86) where she was particularly involved in the mission of the local parish. While stationed at Sacred Heart Academy (1955-1977) she served as a hospital visitor, a ministry Sister Leonilla particularly loved, and where her compassion for those who suffered shone through. In 1977, when the Sisters opened an infirmary at St. Michael's Academy Leonilla came to be a companion to those in the infirmary. In 1988 Kramer Home in Regina opened, and Leonilla courageously moved into unchartered territory to form community with mentally and physically challenged adults. She served at Kramer Home until 1995 when her health began to deteriorate. At that point she came to St. Edward's Convent in Winnipeg where she remained until she went to Misericordia Place Personal Care Home in December 2004. Leonilla is survived by her brothers Joseph, Tony, and Olly; by numerous nieces and nephews, and by members of her religious community, the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions. She was predeceased by her sisters Rose, Annie, Charlotte and Katherine, and her two brothers John and Robert. Those who knew and loved Leonilla remember her general joie de vivre even when times or situations were difficult, and how she could remember a joke forever. She was a profoundly spiritual and eternally kind Sister, loyal to her religious Congregation and to all of its members. She taught her religious Sisters many lessons about life through her words and deeds: that everything ends sooner or later, no matter how tough; that a laugh eases most situations, and that generosity never goes unrewarded. Leonilla herself was generous to a fault and is now enjoying God's gracious gratitude on behalf of us all. In these past years as illness and frailty became her daily lot, there were still times when she wanted to dance and sing . When Sisters visited with her, the visit would often enough turn to singing together. As her condition worsened the diamond beauty of her soul shone through. She was at peace and death held no fear for her. She simply wanted to go home to God . Funeral services will be held at Misericordia Place, 44 Furby St. Winnipeg. Prayers will be at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, and Funeral Mass of the Resurrection will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 12 with Rev. Vince Herner officiating. Special thanks to the nurses and staff of Misericordia Place for their care of Leonilla and their kindness to her. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial gift may contribute to the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions Solidarity Fund, which supports Sisters' ministries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 10, 2009