Sister Martha Bendorf (Ann Marie Bendorf) A native of Flagstaff, Arizona, died in Los Gatos California, on June 18, 2009, at 86 years of age and as a vowed Sister of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary for 48 years. Sister Martha's ministry began as a secondary school educator at Ramona Convent Secondary School (Alhambra), Holy Names High School (Oakland) and Saint Andrew (Pasadena). Then for 10 years she was a core member of the House of Prayer at Emmanuel House in Los Gatos. During these years she also taught at Casa Maria Montessori. After a year of study at Holy Names University, Sister Martha continued ministering as an early childhood educator at St. Mary Preschool (Oakland), HNU and Casa Maria Montessori (Los Gatos). She then found her way to Santee Mission in San Jose where among many things she started a library for the children of the neighborhood. The last five years Sister Martha ministered at the Convent in Los Gatos with her wise and loving presence. While there was a richness and diversity in her ministries, Sister Martha loved deeply and found joy in many things ... in the love of her family, in her life of prayer, in baking and cooking, in the beauty of creation, in the color purple and in a good book. Sister Martha is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Jim Callahan, brother, Tom Bendorf, 20 nieces and nephews and numerous other relatives. She is remembered by her beloved Sisters and Associates as well as the many people she touched throughout her life. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 7:15 p.m. at the Convent of the Holy Names, 200 Prospect Avenue, Los Gatos. Burial will take place at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2009. Donations in Sister's memory may be made to the Ministry Fund, Sisters of the Holy Names, P.O. Box 907, Los Gatos, CA 95031. Local arrangements by Darling Fischer Chapel of the Hills.

Published in San Jose Mercury News on June 22, 2009.