Sister Martha Clare Kilzer

Sister Martha Clare Kilzer, 87, a founder of the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, Bismarck, entered eternal life on February 27, 2007, at a Bismarck care center. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Thursday, March 1, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Annunciation Monastery in Bismarck. Martha and her identical twin, Clare, were born on January 15, 1920, to Joseph and Beata Schnell Kilzer in Richardton, ND. They were the 8th and 9th of the Kilzers' 12 children. When they were sophomores in high school, Clare died from the effects of rheumatic fever contacted at the age of 10. Martha deeply missed her twin. After high school, Martha attended the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, MN, where she met the Benedictine Sisters who operated the college. She finished her junior year when the United States became involved in World War II and she wanted to become an army nurse. After a year's study at St. Alexius School of Nursing, Bismarck, she realized that her life's call was not to be an army nurse but to become a sister and she entered St. Benedict's Monastery in St. Joseph, MN. She made her monastic profession July 11, 1944. That same year, Sister Martha Clare volunteered for the new community in Bismarck, Annunciation Monastery. A loving and lovable woman, Sister Martha Clare dedicated her life to service, gratitude and a deep love of Jesus and people of all ages. Her patient and adaptable personality was an asset to the ministries in which she served. She taught at St Joseph's School in Dickinson, Cathedral School in Bismarck, and St. Lawrence School in Flasher, and was secretary to the prioress for Annunciation Monastery and the first librarian at what was then Mary College, now the University of Mary. She also served as librarian at St Emma's Convent in Greensburg, PA, and as principal of St Egbert's School in Morehead City, NC, where the parish set up the "Sister Martha Clare Foundation" for scholarships for needy children. Throughout her life, Sister Martha Clare possessed the grace of accepting each new challenge and assignment with a quiet reserve and determination to glorify God in each ministry. She will be remembered and missed for her gentle nature, quiet sense of humor, and concern for others. She is survived by her sister, Sister Helen of Bismarck; two brothers, George of Mesa, AZ, and Walter of Dickinson; many nieces and nephews; and the Sisters of Annunciation Monastery.

Sister Martha Clare Kilzer

January 15, 1920 - February 27, 2007