Martha Leyden

Sister Martha Leyden OP formerly Sister Paula 81 died on Wed. Jan. 1 2014 at Regina Health Center Richfield OH. Sister Martha the daughter of Michael and Catherine Leyden entered the Sisters of St. Dominic of Akron now the Dominican Sisters of Peace from St. Sebastian Parish after graduating from St. Vincent High School in 1950. She made first profession of vows on August 4. 1952. Sister Martha taught at St. Agatha School Cleveland; St. Bernard and Our Lady of the Elms Akron. She was Directress of Our Lady of the Elms Preschool from 1964-68. After receiving her Ph. D. from Columbia University New York in 1971 she became Associate Professor of Early Child Education at the University of Akron a position she held for nineteen years. Sister Martha was elected three times to a four-year term as councilor of her congregation. She worked part time for H.M. Life Opportunities as a Family Education Specialist and was active in social action groups. From 1997-2002 she volunteered at Crouse Elementary School Akron. She retired to the Elms Wellness Center in 2002 and in 2009 was moved to Regina Health Center because of health. Sister Martha is survived by brothers Joseph (Kay) of Florida; Paul (Rosemary) of Akron; sister Dorothy (Merle) Wolff of Michigan; brother-in-law Norm Green of Akron; several nieces nephews grandnieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by sister Mary Green. Visitation will take place at Our Lady of the Elms 1230 W. Market St. Akron on Sunday January 5 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. with a Wake Service at 4:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday January 6 at 9:30 a.m. in the Elms Chapel. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations in memory of Sister Martha may be made to Dominican Sisters of Peace 2320 Airport Drive Columbus OH 43219-2098