Jenny, baptized Joanne, was born in Mason City, Iowa, on January 17, 1912, the second of seven children born to Anthony and Marietta Ammazzalorso, both of whom had emigrated from Italy. In 1935 her father became a citizen and had the family name changed to Martin. Her family sacrificed much to provide a Catholic education for each of the children. Sister Marie Jo- Ann wrote of this period of her life, “After a short time, having the intention that least one of his daughters would become a sister, one day my father asked me if I wouldn't like to be a sister too. The sisters at the school had made an impression on him. Thoughtlessly, and not to displease him, I shook my head 'yes' not knowing really what it all meant. ” Over the next few years, Jenny realized that the Lord was taking her at her word.

Jenny’s first contact with our Congregation came through the booklets that were published at this time. Friends had given the family several of these and, after reading all of them over and over, she sent for the whole collection, which numbered about 65. When she discovered by reading “The Eucharistic Adorer” that the community had perpetual adoration, she asked to visit Clyde. Her parents came with her, and were impressed by the gracious hospitality and kindness they received. Jenny returned on her own the following week, and entered at the age of 26. 

She wrote, “I have no regrets and am happy that I did not refuse Him the sacrifice of leaving my father, mother, brothers, and sisters whom I loved very dearly and the home where we were closely knit for many years. I believe our Lord has rewarded both them and myself more than we deserve, but 1 know also that He is that way— never outdone in generosity. ”

When Jenny made her first monastic profession on August 24, 1940, she received the name of her beloved father and became Sister Mary Anthony. She made her final profession on September 1, 1945. In 1971, when the sisters had the opportunity to return to their baptismal names, she claimed the name Marie Jo-Ann.

Sister Marie Jo-Ann wrote of her life in community, “my convent life has been quite similar to many other of our Sisters, ups and downs, but very close to the Heart of Christ and His blessed Mother.” By nature quiet and reserved, Sister Marie Jo-Ann longed for silence and solitude.

Nourished by her times of silence, solitude, and prayer, she served in the correspondence department and as bookkeeper for the altar bread department. In the correspondence department, she kept track of the number of letters she wrote, reporting in a letter, "During the month of December, I typed 625 thank-you letters.” She also typed the envelopes for the circularization of Spirit & Life and leaflets, and wrote of this work, "I am happy I can do something to lessen the work for others by doing most of the typing.” Prior to joining the Health Care center in January, 1998, she worked in the altar bread department, sealing the bags and becoming known as “the little Sister Sealer” by the staff.

Sister Marie Jo-Ann often expressed gratitude for the good health she had been given, and so it was with shock that she heard the diagnosis of cancer. She had been ill only a few weeks when, shortly after noon on February 27, 1999, many of us gathered around her bedside praying and singing. She closed her eyes and slipped into eternity just after Sister Mary Jane said, "Marie Jo-Ann, it is alright to go home now.” The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in the St. Louis on March 2, and burial was the following day in Mt. Calvary Cemetery at Clyde.