Sister Martha Jean Sayklly
Born to earthly life: May 2, 1919
Religious profession: July 29, 1943
Entered eternal Life: October 9, 2011
Teacher, art educator, principal, business woman, concerned friend — all of these described the quiet mannered Sister Mary Martha Jean Sayklly. Her alive dark eyes, a part of her Lebanese heritage, hinted at her intense joy of living in the "now" time, wherever she happened to be.
Sister Martha Jean was born on May 2, 1919, in Escanaba, Michigan, at the family home, and she was baptized Cecilia at St. Patrick's Church. Her parents, Mary (Kirkish) and Joseph Sayklly, were born in Lebanon. Their home had a reputation for a genial Lebanese spirit of hospitality and friendliness, a welcoming place for the friends of the members of their large close-knit family. Cecilia, the third daughter (in a family whose tradition believed that God’s blessing would bring a son), had six sisters and two brothers.
Cecilia attended Washington Public School through grade six, where her gift of painting was recognized. At age twelve she transferred to St. Joseph Grade and High School, where she first met the School Sisters of Notre Dame and began to dream about becoming one of them. Much of her free time from seventh grade through high school was spent clerking in the family’s confectionary store.
Cecilia’s business experience continued to increase after high school graduation in 1937. She spent more time working for her father and then went to work and attend vocational school in Milwaukee. Although her mother had great difficulty with Cecilia’s thoughts of entering the convent, the aunt with whom Cecilia lived while in Milwaukee was very supportive and helped to nurture her vocation. With much help (on the “QT”) from her Milwaukee aunt, Sister Julius Larson, and Sister Julius’ mother, all the things needed to enter the convent were prepared. With only a week’s notice to her family and friends, Cecilia left for the Milwaukee motherhouse on September 2, 1940. Her father’s death during her novitiate year was a hardship, but thanks to a persistent uncle who would not take “No” for an answer, she was able to visit her father before he died.
After her profession as a School Sister of Notre Dame, Sister Martha Jean began her teaching career. It was in getting to know the human side of her sister companions in her first community at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Green Bay, Wis., (1943-1958) that her mother’s attitude toward her daughter’s choice began to change. Sister Martha Jean’s next assignments were to Sacred Heart, Appleton, Wis., (1958-1961); Sacred Heart, Marshfield, Wis., (1961-1963); and St. Joseph Grade School, Escanaba, Mich., (1963-65).
While Sister taught art and grade eight at St. Francis Xavier, DePere, Wis., (1965-1970), she became chairwoman of the Green Bay Diocesan School Art Committee. In response to the classroom teachers' request for help in planning art lessons, Sister Martha Jean compiled Art Guidelines, a manual for teaching art in the elementary school. This kit was one manifestation of Sister's fine organizational skills, which she demonstrated throughout her life in whatever she did.
Next Sister Martha Jean took her expertise as an art educator to the high school level. Students at Messmer in Milwaukee (1970-1974) and Catholic Central in Marinette, Wis., (1974-1979) benefited from her ability to draw out their artistic talents. While teaching at Catholic Central¸ where her art department was built up from an empty classroom, she was honored as “Educator of the Year.” From 1979-1981 she went back to grade school as principal at St. Paul School, Bloomer, Wis., only to return again to Marinette and the art department at Catholic Central (1981-1992).
Retiring in 1992, Sister was a positive presence in the Marinette parish of Holy Family, serving as lector and communion minister, and helping the Christian Manna, a group who prepared food for the poor. Continuing to share her artistic nature, she taught an adult art class and was active in a parish craft group. In her unassuming manner and concern for others, Sister Martha Jean gave of herself to both young and old throughout her life. As educator, she aimed to discover and develop the talents of others. In her ministry to the elderly, she appreciated and affirmed each one's gifts and individuality. In 2008, Sister Martha Jean moved to Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba, MI, where on October 9, 2011, she died.
Sister Martha Jean Sayklly, SSND died on October 9, 2011, age 92. Survivors include: sisters, Elizabeth Schiska, Marie Mayville; sisters-in-law, Bea Sayklly, Katherine Sayklly. Also surviving is special friend, Sister Dyonne Finn and numerous loving nieces, nephews and cousins. Sister Martha Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary; siblings, Josephine Sayklly, Angeline Kobasic, Louise Weissert, Fred Sayklly, Margaret Sayklly, Edward Sayklly; and brothers-in-law, John Schiska, Don Mayville, Peter Kobasic, Fritz Weissert.
Sister Martha Jean's family will receive friends on Wednesday from 3-5 p.m. at the St. Anne Catholic Church in Escanaba. Mass of Christian Burial services will follow visiting hours at 5 p.m. at St. Anne Catholic Church, with Rev. Fr. Fran DeGroot, Rev. Fr. Gilbert Neurohr and Rev. Fr. Emmett Norden officiating. Luncheon will follow in the St. Anne Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Sister Martha Jean Sayklly's name may be directed to the Sayklly family for a memorial fund to be established in the future. Envelopes will be available throughout funeral services and at the Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County.
Sister Martha Jean will be laid to rest in the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Escanaba.
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