Sister Mary Martina Whalen

Teresa Whalen
1885 - 1960

Sister Mary Martina died at St. Vincent de Paul Hospital, Brockville, June 22, 1960. She had been ill in the Infirmary at the Mother House, for over two years and returned to Brockville Hospital a few months ago suffering from a broken hip.

For the last several years as an active Sister, she had been medical librarian of St. Vincent de Paul Hospital.

A very accomplished Sister who began her religious life as a teacher, Sister M. Martina taught in schools in Kingston, Smiths Falls and Brockville. When her health failed she was stationed in Winnipeg at St. Joseph’s Vocational School where she was mostly in charge of music and the office work of the school.

When she returned to Kingston in improved health, Sister M. Martina took the Medical Records Librarian’s Course at Hotel Dieu Hospital and took over the medical records work in St. Vincent de Paul Hospital. Besides carrying on her regular duties, whether in teaching, music work or in the medical field, she was an accomplished artist.

Sister M. Martina enjoyed the Community recreations with her Sisters and added greatly to the enjoyment of others. Sister had a keen sense of humour and a ready wit. She was a great source of edification in her devotion to her spiritual exercises and in the faithful observance of Rule.

Sister was always an example of refinement and courtesy. All through her illness she showed great patience and graciousness, even when in a confused state of mind brought on by her illness – hardening of the arteries.

Two years ago Sister M. Martina celebrated her Golden Jubilee. A native of Westport, Ontario, she was the former Teresa Whalen, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Whalen. A sister in the community, Sister M. Loyola, predeceased her four years ago. Other members in religion were two half-brothers, Rev. Walter Whalen of the Kingston diocese who died several years ago as pastor of Howe Island, and the late Rev. James Whalen of the Basilian Fathers who died while still a young priest.

Solemn Requiem Mass was offered on Saturday in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at the Mother House, Heathfield, by Rev. W.J. Lynett, with Rev. F.P. Spence and Rev. E.J. Keyes as deacon and sub-deacon. Archbishop O’Sullivan presided at the Libera, attended by Rev. R.J Flurey and Rev. W.L. Cummings. Msgr. Leacy, Napanee, was in the sanctuary.

Interment took place in St. Mary’s Cemetery, with Rev. F.P. Spence saying the prayers.