Sister Martin Vandervest

Sister Martin Vandervest, OSF, age 98, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross, died at St. Francis Convent on Friday, August 29, 2025.

The former Audrey Vandervest was born on March 20, 1927 in Dykesville, WI, the 11th of 12 children of the late Joseph and Josephine (Bader) Vandervest. She entered the convent in 1948, professed her vows in 1951, and celebrated her 75th Jubilee in 2024.

Sister Martin earned a teaching license from Door-Kewaunee Normal and a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education at St. Norbert College, De Pere. She received certification as a hospital chaplain in the National Association of Catholic Chaplains at St. Francis Hospital and St. Luke Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. She served as a teacher at the Crippled Children’s Home, Champion, St. John, Howard, St. Boniface, De Pere, St. Mary, Peshtigo, St. Matthew, Green Bay, All Saints, Denmark, SS. Peter & Paul, Institute, St. Anthony, TX, Holy Trinity, Casco. She served in pastoral care and hospital chaplaincy at Mercy Medical, Oshkosh, St. Joseph, Marshfield, St. Catherine, East Chicago.

Sister Martin, after retiring, helped in Community service at the Motherhouse. She loved the Eucharist, being in chapel and praying the rosary for her special nephews, nieces, their spouses and children every day. Her smile was her ever present companion. Her gratitude touched many hearts. Sister Martin had a great love for all of God’s creation. She truly lived the Charism of the Sisters – prayer, presence and hospitality.

Survivors include the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross and Associates; her many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents: Joseph and Josephine; brothers & sisters-in-law: Martin, Michael (Rose), Louis (Marie), Joseph (Margaret); sisters and brothers-in-law: Anna (Raymond) LaCroix, Rose (Henry) Metzler, Esther (Clifford) Le Grave, Mildred (Francis) Nellis, Mary (Fred) Borlee, Mabel (Joe) Dellis, Cecelia (Bob) Rubens.

Friends may call at Holy Cross Church, 3009 Bay Settlement Road, Green Bay, for Visitation on Tuesday, September 9th, from 9:00 – 10:15am. The Funeral Mass will be at 10:30am with Rev. David McElroy, O.Praem as Celebrant. Homilist will be Deacon Roger Vandervest. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery.

The Sisters of St. Francis and the family of Sister Martin wish to express their gratitude to the nursing staff at St. Francis Convent, Visiting Angels and Moments Hospice for their loving care and support.