Early Life 

Helen was the second child of her parents, Joseph and Maria (Kwiatkowski) Zywina, who immigrated to Canada from Poland.  Helen and her three sisters grew up in a profoundly religious environment with deep connections to the local Catholic Church which served the Polish speaking community in Regina.

Helen was an early starter.  She entered our novitiate at Sacred Heart College after completing her grade X.  She was an early starter in administrative responsibilities within both our Congregation and in her teaching.  

But – she was certainly NOT an early starter for retirement, nor did she recommend it – as became clear over the course of her long and productive life.

Religious Life and Education

Helen received the religious name of Sr. Mary Martin, and she lived the rest of her life known by that name.  After her profession, she continued her studies, completing her secondary education and then graduating from teacher’s college in 1945.  A long and fruitful career in the teaching profession followed.  

Even while engaged in teaching, M. Martin continued her studies at the University level and attained her BA at the University of Saskatchewan, her B Ed and M Ed from the University of Ottawa and her MA at St .Paul’s University in Minnesota, USA.

Love of Teaching

Teaching was a work that M. Martin dearly loved and to which she gave her whole heart.  She taught in Lebret, Sask. for 5 years, in Sioux Lookout, Ontario for 2 years and in various secondary schools in Regina for another 32 years.

After retiring from full time teaching in 1987 and after enjoying a well-earned sabbatical she began tutoring students in the mysteries of algebra and geometry as a volunteer at the co-educational Miller Composite High School in Regina for another 14 years.

Lake of the Woods

The RNDM holiday home at Lake of the Woods was a very favorite place of rest and relaxation for M. Martin. She loved the peace and quiet, the scenery, and the wildlife (particularly that duck family!).  

She also loved picking chokecherries, making jelly, and most especially meals of fish freshly caught from the lake.  M. Martin never missed scheduling her three week holiday at “The Island”.

Generosity of Spirit

Martin had a great generosity of spirit. She helped whenever, wherever and however she could. She was always interested in what and how community members, family and friends were doing.  She was a loyal friend – approachable and ready to listen.  Her welcome to visitors – her guests and other community friends – was remarkable.

As long as she was able, she eagerly helped our Vietnamese Sisters who have been coming to Canada to learn English.  M. Martin was generous in her support and approval of the good work others were doing and lavish in expressing gratitude for any service rendered to her. 

She was also an ardent fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, a local professional football team.

Later Life and Death

The last months in Santa Maria were very difficult for Sister M. Martin.  She often said that she had lived a long fulfilling life and she was ready to be with the Lord. At times she became rather impatient in her desire to die. God finally came for her on the evening of January 9th when she quietly slipped away.

Following her death, many former students and fellow teachers spoke of the great influence that Sister M. Martin had on them.  Here are some of the memorial tributes they sent through social media:

“Such a loss of a great woman. She taught her girls how to walk and how to act like ladies and not to run in the hallways. But most importantly she taught each of us how special each of us was.”

“Sister Martin was such a caring, and amazing woman. She inspired many students including myself to do our very best, and was always willing to help and to give us support when needed.”

“Sr. Martin taught much more than algebra. She taught her girls that caring meant smiles, politeness and respect, but also firmness, expectations and standards. She touched the lives of many and was God’s good and faithful servant.”

“Sister Martin always made learning easy. Loved her classes. A very gentle, caring lady.”

“Like her, respect her, fear her; whatever one’s feelings were for this tiny but imposing little nun, she was a force to be reckoned with. Mother Martin, as she was called back in the day, was an amazing math teacher who dragged me through grade 12 Algebra. She later became a colleague of my husband and a close family friend.”

“The world is a much better place because Sister Mary Martin was here and remains here through the many thousands she so positively influenced. We give thanks and praise for her and all those who stood with her as she served.”

Sister Mary Martin was laid to rest in in the Sisters plot at Riverside Memorial Park in Regina.