Sister Mary Martha Dickson

Sister Mary Martha Dickson, 94, a founder of the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery, Bismarck, went home to God on February 15, 2007, in a Garrison care center. Mass of Christian Burial is set for 4:30 p.m. Monday, February 19 in the Chapel of Annunciation Monastery. Visitation begins at 4 p.m. Saturday at the monastery and continues until the time of the funeral. A wake service is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. Sunday, February 18, at the monastery. Alice Catherine was born on June 22, 1912, in Tacoma, WA. She was the second of six children of Amos and Martha Delaney Dickson. Her mother died during the flu epidemic of 1918, six days after giving birth to the youngest child. Her father remarried and the children were raised by their stepmother. In 1933, Alice attended the perpetual monastic profession of her cousin at St. Benedict's Monastery, St. Joseph, MN. This was her first introduction to sisters and she was so attracted to the lifestyle, a year later she also entered that monastery. When she was a novice, she was given the name Mary Martha. She made monastic profession on July 11, 1938. In 1941 after earning a degree in dietetics from the College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, MN, Sister Mary Martha came to St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck, where she spent the next 55 years of her life. She served 40 years as a dietitian, then in pastoral care and later as a volunteer in intensive care and the medical library. She also taught nutrition to students at the St. Alexius School of Nursing and the University of Mary. She loved being at St. Alexius because she could put her whole self into helping others. Her motto was truly, "receive all as Christ." A wonderful dietitian and cook, Sister Mary Martha was known for her hospitality which she frequently expressed through well-prepared food. She believed that food touched the heart of another person and nourished both body and soul. In addition to her regular duties, she enjoyed preparing special meal events - teas, banquets and parties. All were well-cooked and elegantly served. Nothing that was asked of her was too much and she did everything she could to help others. She had a great respect and reverence for people. Her gift of compassion supported those facing life's challenges. Sister Mary Martha was a woman of deep gratitude, for the goodness of God, for the kindnesses shown her by others. She had the ability to accept the joys and sorrows of life with a thankful heart. She once said, "For all God's goodness to me, eternity will hardly be long enough for me to offer thanks." She enjoyed pottery and for over 39 years created chalices and candle holders for worship and prayer. She also did excellent needlework and loved to give away her creations as well as teach others how to do these crafts. She is survived by her sister, Marie Middaugh, Tacoma, WA, nieces and nephews, special friends, and the Sisters of Annunciation Monastery.

Sister Mary Martha Dickson

June 22, 1912 - February 15, 2007