Sr. Martha Ann Oldani, CSJ

Josephine Oldani was born in Detroit Michigan on September 14, 1925, the daughter of Louis and Lillian (Grambusch) Oldani.  She was a member of Guardian Angels Parish in Detroit at the time of her entrance into the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth on July 1, 1950.  Josephine received the name Sister Martha Ann at her reception of January 3, 1951.  She pronounced first vows on January 3, 1953 and final vows on January 3, 1956. Sister Martha Ann earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Nazareth College.  She taught in schools of the Congregation including St. Joan of Arc, St. Clair Shores; St. Patrick, Portland, and St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Taylor.  In 1987 Sister Martha Ann went into home health care and ministered to the needs of her dear mother.  After her mother’s death, she transitioned to St. John Hospital in Detroit as a receptionist.  In 2000 Sister came to Nazareth where she worked at the switchboard until poor health made it necessary for her to retire. Sister Martha Ann was a very peaceful, simple, humble woman.  She learned that her name, “Martha” means “helpful spirit” and was certainly one, always eager to meet the needs of others.  She spent a great deal of her time and energy volunteering in the Therapy unit and Assisted Living area at Nazareth.  Sister Martha Ann was very grateful to her family, her Congregation and friends for their love and support which enabled her to be faithful to her call as a Sister of St. Joseph.  May she now rejoice in the company of the saints and with them praise God forever. Friends will be received after 4pm on Monday, June 19 in Holy Family Chapel in Nazareth, Michigan.  A vigil service will be held on Monday, June 19 at 7 pm with Father Michael Howell presiding, also at Holy Family Chapel.  A Mass of Christian Burial will occur on Tuesday, June 20 at 10:30 am at Holy Family Chapel.  Interment will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Arrangements by Redmond Funeral Home 4100 S Westnedge Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49008 (269) 343-6156. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net