Sister Martha Drummond, Alice Joyce, was born in Manly in 1919 and had three older brothers - Edmund, Francis and Leonard. They lived next to the convent of the Sisters of Saint Joseph where Joyce was educated.

After leaving school Joyce was employed as a secretary until 1943 when, during World War II she enlisted in the Australian Women's Army Service, being sent first to Bathurst and later to Melbourne.

When she was discharged from the Army in 1946, she entered the Congregation of the Marist Sisters and at her reception was given the name of Sister Martha to the great joy of her mother who was also named Martha. Her first ministry as a Marist Sister was in Mittagong where the Sisters were pioneering a boarding school for developmentally disadvantaged children.

Then followed many years of faithful service in Australia and eleven years in New Zealand. Our Congregational Leader, Sister Jane Frances, who knew Sister Martha speaks of her ability to listen, understand and empathise with everyone at all times, of her tremendous respect for the value of the person and her spirit of openness and hospitality. The Sisters in New Zealand have many lovely memories of her.

Martha joined the community in Marian House, Australia in 1991, where she worked tirelessly and unobtrusively for all, gradually slowing down but remaining cheerful and interested in everything. During those years she discovered her aptitude for Art and produced some lovely paintings and drawings.
The words of our charism "Hidden and Unknown" express the gentle Marian presence of Martha. She never drew attention to herself, simply fitting in wherever she could be of service, never seeking praise or acknowledgement.

The qualities of Mary embodied in Jeanne-Marie Chavoin, our Foundress, seem to find resonance in Martha's life: "humility,poverty,love of work, and the integration of prayer and action in constant union with God"

"A life so hidden and yet so fruitful seemed to Father Colin our Founder , to be the model of what the life of the whole Society of Mary should be".

May you rest in peace Martha.