Obituary of Sister Madeleine Martel

Born: Irene Estelle Martel, June 4, 1932 in Manchester, NH. Died: June 12, 2015 at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse Healthcare Center, Allegany, NY. Daughter of Ulric and Agnes Beaudet Martel of New Britain, CT. She was received into the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse on August 15, 1957 and professed her final religious vows on August 16, 1964. For over 57 years, Sr. Madeleine devotedly lived the Mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany. Sister attended grade school at St. Augustine in Manchester, NH from 1938-42 and St. Mary's in New Britain, CT from 1942-46. She attended Nathan Hale Jr. High and New Britain Sr. High, both of New Britain, CT. At the age of 16 she started full-time work, later completing a business course at Moody Secretarial in New Britain, CT. A year later, at the age of 21, she entered the Army. In addition to completing her High School equivalency certificate, she also received training as a clerk typist her first year stationed stateside. The remainder of her military time was spent in Heidelberg, Germany working in the Communications Division. She was very proud to have served her country and received an Honorable Discharge in June 1956. That same year, Sister applied to and was accepted into the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany. After entering the Order, Sr. Madeleine began college courses at St. Elizabeth Teacher's College (now part of St. Bonaventure University) in Allegany, NY. In 1969, Sister received her B.S. in Education, minoring in Sociology. She went on to study social work, receiving her M.S.W. at Fordham University in 1971. After several teaching assignments in New York and New Jersey schools of the Congregation, she relocated to Florida and over the next two decades served in multiple capacities within the Mental Health field. She held positions of Social Worker, Administrator and Director, Psychiatric Supervisor and also spent several assignments providing active therapy and counseling, along with consultation and education as needed. She was a gentle, unfaltering champion for both the distressed children and adults who came into her care. Sr. Madeleine is predeceased by her parents and brothers Louis, Leo and Roger. She is survived by brothers Paul, Walter and Maurice, as well as a nephew, Joseph and niece, Carol Hall. A Wake Service is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, followed by burial in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany, NY. The funeral arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. 646 East State Street, Olean, NY.