Born May 3, 1878, in Union County, Ky., Mary Chandler was the youngest of the seven children of Martin and Frances Hite Clements. She graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy in May 1898 and entered the novitiate that summer. Mary Chandler received the Ursuline habit on October 21, 1899, and was given the name Sister Martina.
Sister Martina was first missioned at St. Raphael School in West Louisville, Ky., where she remained for six months. In 1907, she was then assigned to schools in Louisville: St. Columba School for the second semester and St. Paul School as teacher, principal and local superior for nine years. In 1916, Sister Martina was assigned to Mount Saint Joseph Academy for 19 years as teacher and prefect of discipline. She was appointed novice mistress in 1935, a position held until her death.
On December 11, 1944, Sister Martina Sister underwent surgery at St. Joseph Infirmary in Louisville revealing latent cancer, discovered too late for removal or effective treatment. She remained in the hospital until her death, December 30, 1944. Msgr. Earl Willett, pastor of St. James Church, conducted a wake service at St. Angela Home. With Bishop Francis R. Cotton of Owensboro presiding, Msgr. Gilbert Henninger, chaplain, Fathers Charles P. Bowling, James Higdon, and Anthony Higdon celebrated the funeral Mass at Mount Saint Joseph. Sister Martina’s remains are buried in the convent cemetery.