The University of Saint Mary joins the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth as they mourn the loss of educator Sister Mary Lenore Martin, 89, who died on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at Ross Hall, Mother House, Leavenworth, KS.
Betty Lou Martin was born on November 15, 1925, in Butte, MT, one of three children of William Henry and Mary Ann Sullivan Martin. She graduated from Immaculate Conception Grade School and Girls Central High School in Butte, and Saint Mary College, Leavenworth, KS. Betty entered the religious community of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth on August 14, 1947 and, as Sister Mary Lenore Martin, made her profession of vows on August 15, 1949.
Sister Mary Lenore taught English and history in secondary schools staffed by the Sisters of Charity in Missouri, Kansas, and Montana for twenty years. At Central Catholic High School in Billings, MT, she also served as principal. In 1969 Sister Mary Lenore began teaching in the history department at Saint Mary College, Leavenworth and remained there as instructor, professor, and Chair of the Department of History/Political Science from 1980-1996. Since retiring from what is now the University of Saint Mary in 1996, Sister Mary Lenore assumed the position of college historian and curator of antiques until 2005. She also researched the history of the Sisters from Ireland who entered the SCL community.
When she wasn’t engaged with her professional duties, Sister Mary Lenore could often be found performing with a group of SCL musicians in a small group called the Remnants, where she played saxophone and served as manager and MC. The Remnants appeared on national television with Lucille Ball, performed with Bob Hope and other celebrities, toured in Colorado, New Mexico, California, Nebraska, and Montana, and made numerous appearances in Kansas and Missouri.
Sister Mary Lenore received an MA in Education from Saint Mary College, Leavenworth, KS; an MAT in United States History from St. Louis University, and D.A. in International Affairs from the University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL.
Sister Mary Lenore was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary Ann Martin, her brother Bill, and her sister Margaret Martin Stuart. Survivors include many nieces, nephews, friends, and her SCL community.
A vigil was held at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015, in Ross Chapel of the Sisters of Charity Mother House in Leavenworth. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in Ross Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 19. Interment followed in Mount Olivet Cemetery on the Mother House grounds. R. L. Leintz Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Retirement Fund, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, KS 66048. 
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