Mary Pitschmann SR

Sister Mary Martha Pitschmann OP 99 died after a short illness at Our Lady of the Elms Convent Akron on Sunday June 13 2010. She was the second child of Othmar and Martha Hummel Pitschmann and entered the Sisters of St. Dominic of Akron in 1930 from Immaculate Conception Church Madison OH. She made First Profession on September 12 1931 and was in her 78th year of religious profession. Sister Martha received her BSE and MA in Ed. Admin. from St. John College Cleveland. Sister Mary Martha taught at Sacred Heart Academy St. Bernard St. Paul St. Matthew and Our Lady of the Elms all in Akron. She also taught at St. Augustine School Barberton (1935-48) and St. Joseph Alliance (1951-56) and was principal at both schools as well as at Our Lady of the Elms Elementary School (1957-63). She also taught at St. Agatha Cleveland. In 1957 she was elected vicaress and first councilor for her congregation. With the decision to change ministry Sister Martha attended Akron School of Practical Nursing and received her LPN in 1978. Sister Martha has been in nursing care at St. Edward Home Bath and later served as a nurse supervisor and director of nursing at Our Lady of the Elms Wellness Center. Sister retired in 2000 but has continued to perform community service at the Elms Wellness Center. Sister Martha was preceded in death by brothers Edward Carl and Louis; sisters Rita Pitschmann and Esther O'Loughlin. She is survived by brother Alvin of Columbus; sister Helen Peitzmeyer of Raleigh NC and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours are at Our Lady of the Elms Convent 1230 W. Market St. Akron on Wednesday June 16 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. with Wake Service at 4:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday June 17 at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations in memory of Sister can be made to Dominican Sisters of Peace 2320 Airport Drive Columbus OH 43219-2098.