Obituary of Sister Mary Irene Chisholm

Chisholm, Sister Mary, formerly Sister Ann Therese, 93, a Sister of St. Martha of Antigonish, died in Mary’s Court, Parkland, Antigonish, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in the 72nd year of her Religious Life.

Born in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Sister Mary was the daughter of the late John Alexander and Sarah Catherine (MacEachern) Chisholm. 

Sister Mary entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St Martha on August 15, 1951. She pronounced her first vows on February 15, 1953, and her perpetual vows on August 15, 1956. 

Sister Mary generously ministered in several institutions owned or operated by the Congregation, as well as in the local convents and communities. Her ministries ranged from care of children, pastoral assistant, sacristan, library, as well as homemaking. She cared deeply for all with and for whom she ministered. True to her vocation as a Sister of St. Martha, Sr. Mary went wherever there was a need.  

In Antigonish, Nova Scotia, she served at Bethany, the former Motherhouse, St. Martha’s Hospital and in various local communities. In Cape Breton, Sister Mary ministered in Sydney, Bras D’Or, and Eskasoni, as well as serving on the mainland in Trenton, Nova Scotia.  For several years, she lived and ministered in Boston, Massachusetts. Within the Congregation Sr. Mary was called to serve as a Local Leader, and Assistant to the Novice Director. Gospel Hospitality was at the core of all that she did. She had a dry wit and a kind heart, both of which endeared her to many. 

Besides her parents she was predeceased by sisters Ruth, of the Grail Movement, Elizabeth Clare, Sr. Isabel, CND, Frances McCarthy and Sr. Jean, CSM, and by brothers, John, Lauchie, Joey, and Leo. 

Sister Mary is survived by sisters, Ann, Antigonish, Mora LePage (Bruce), Lewiston, ME, and by brother Andrew (Pam) Ladysmith, BC, as well as their families and extended family.  

The remains will be resting at Martha Place, Parkland Antigonish, beginning Wednesday July 23, 2025, at 9:00am., followed by a Celebration of Vigil. The Eulogy will be held at 11:00 a.m. in St. Martha Chapel. Liturgy of Christian Burial will begin with the closing ritual at 1:45 p.m. in St. Martha Chapel. The Eulogy and Liturgy will be livestreamed on MacIsaac’s website.

Arrangements are under the direction of MacIsaac Funeral Home, Antigonish.