Sister Martha Mary Rohde, OP, who served in Catholic education in the Diocese of Camden, died Jan. 23. She was 77.
Sister Martha Mary served as principal, as well as a teacher, in Saint James Elementary School, Ventnor, from 1979 to 1990. The school has since closed.
“She was a dearly loved person who did much for education,” said those with the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, Wis., who knew her.
Sister Martha Mary was born Sept. 9, 1946, in Chicago. She professed vows with the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa on Aug. 5, 1966, and received the religious name of Sister Alfonsa. She received a bachelor of science degree in elementary education at Edgewood College, Madison, Wis., and her master’s in education from Cardinal Stritch, Milwaukee. She also attended the University of Dayton, Ohio, and received a master’s in educational administration.
Sister Martha Mary’s ministry was dedicated to education. In addition to serving in Ventnor, she served in schools in Chicago, Wisconsin and Florida. She had also served the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation as motherhouse prioress and assisted living prioress at Sinsinawa Mound, Wis.
At the time of her death, she was principal at Hope Rural School, Indiantown, Fla.
Sister Martha Mary was preceded in death by her parents, John Rohde, Florence Davis, and stepfather Corwin Davis; a brother, John Rohde; and a sister-in-law, Donna Rohde. She is survived by a brother, Edward Davis; a niece, Kathy (Hank) Schwiesow; a nephew, John (Mary) Rohde; and her Dominican Sisters.
A funeral Mass will take place Feb. 6 at Holy Cross Church, Indiantown, Fla., for the public and parishioners, students and parents of Hope Rural School. A wake, memorial service and burial will take place at a later date at Sinsinawa Mound, Wis.
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