Being an only child born to Harold and Sophie (Jakubowski) Bennett, she was particularly proud of her Polish heritage. She loved making Polish bread, knew a number of Polish expressions, and attended the Polish parish school of St. Hyacinth. Graduating from Notre Dame Academy in 1956, she entered the Sisters of Notre Dame in September and was invested in 1957.
Earning education degrees, she taught middle school age children in Catholic schools of the Toledo Diocese and in Indiana. Of the 46 years she spent as a classroom teacher, 32 of those years were spent with 6th graders. 25 years were spent in ministry at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Carmel, Indiana where she loved the parishioners, the students, and her local community. She became an excellent teacher, well-respected by students and parents alike. She was especially talented in teaching composition and research skills. Students later in life would thank her for teaching them these useful skills.
After retiring from the classroom in 2005, Sister used her pleasant voice and interest in others to assist in the Development Office of the Sisters of Notre Dame. Daily she phoned benefactors thanking them for their donations, renewing friendships, and promising to pray for their intentions.
Sister Mary Mara developed a beautiful devotion to our Blessed Mother. The Rosary and the Magnificat were powerful prayers which she recited faithfully. “My whole person lies open to God my Savior, expanding with grateful joy… Now is fulfilled the promise given to our father and to his children without end.”
May she rest in peace.
To view a tribute video of Sr. Mary Mara Bennett, please click the link below.