Aston, PA—Sister Mary Martha DeMarzo, OSF, (formerly Sister Martha of Jesus), 88, died in St. Joseph Residence in Ringwood, New Jersey, on November 10. She had been professed for 68 years. Sister Martha was born in Santo Paolina, Italy. In 1937 she entered the Franciscan Sisters of Ringwood, a congregation that later merged with the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia, and professed her first vows in 1941. She worked in elementary education as well as in congregational ministry, serving as both a member of the general council and as assistant novice director.
Sister Martha ministered for 32 years in the Diocese of Paterson. She taught at Queen of Peace School in Hewitt and at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School in Passaic. She also volunteered at Our Lady of Angels School in Ringwood. From 2004 until her death she served in prayer ministry at St. Joseph Residence in Ringwood. Sister Martha served in the Archdiocese of Newark, teaching at St. Ann School in Hoboken.
Sister Martha ministered in several dioceses in New York. Her 13 years of service in the Diocese of Brooklyn include teaching at St. Francis Paola School and Holy Family School. She also ministered in the Diocese of Albany where she taught at St. Joseph School in Little Falls and St. Mary School in Frankford. In the Diocese of Rockville Center, she taught at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School in Patchoque and St. Rocco School in Glen Cove.
All services will be held at St. Joseph Residence, 474 Sloatsburg Road, Ringwood, New Jersey. Viewing will be Friday, November 13, 2-5 P.M. and 7-9 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, November 14, at 11 A.M. Burial will follow in God’s Little Acre Cemetery at Mount St. Francis in Ringwood. Sister Martha is survived by nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and by her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.
