Sherri Martin-Carman in 2010, during her years on staff at AMBS as Admissions Counselor and Development Associate (2007–12). (AMBS photo)
Sherri L. Martin-Carman, MDiv, a pastor and chaplain from Elmira, Ontario, died suddenly on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, at age 51.
Martin-Carman attended AMBS from 1996 to 1998, graduating in 1998 with a Master of Divinity with a major in Theological Studies. Following her graduation, she served AMBS as a board member (1999–2005) and then joined the staff as an Admissions Counselor and Development Associate (2007–12).
According to Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC), Martin-Carman was ordained for ministry in 2013 through MCEC, serving as an interim supply pastor at Bloomingdale (Ontario) Mennonite Church (2009) and Wanner Mennonite Church in Cambridge, Ontario (2008–09), and as Associate Pastor at Tavistock (Ontario) Mennonite Church (2001–04). She also volunteered with Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite Mission Network and in various roles with MCEC.
Janeen Bertsche Johnson, MDiv, Director of Campus Ministries, Admissions and Development Associate, and Alumni Director, recalled that Martin-Carman started her studies at AMBS in Bertsche Johnson’s second year as Campus Pastor, and that they worked closely together until her graduation in 1998.
“Wherever she went, the energy level of the group increased because of her exuberance,” Bertsche Johnson reflected. “I treasure my memories of her: as an outstanding student leader, as a colleague during the years she worked for AMBS, and during the last conversation we had in spring 2021 after a virtual alumni gathering.”
Doug Amstutz, MDiv, Development Associate for Canada, and his spouse, Wanda, met Martin-Carman at AMBS when they were students in the 1990s and renewed their friendship in Ontario over the past decade after relocating to the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
“We will remember Sherri for her energy, her big heart and big smile, serving the aging community at Nithview and Trinity as well as her family and her church,” he said. “Sherri was an AMBS booster from the moment of her graduation, serving in a development role and afterwards continuing her support through word and deed. We mourn her passing.”
President David Boshart, PhD, served alongside Martin-Carman on the AMBS Board of Directors in the 2000s.
“As a fellow AMBS board member with Sherri, I recall how deeply she cared for AMBS, how much she loved Jesus, and her desire to support and empower the people of God as a true servant leader,” he said.
A funeral service for Martin-Carman was held Nov. 6 at Floradale Mennonite Church in Elmira and can be viewed here.
— Annette Brill Bergstresser, AMBS
Obituary
Sherri Lynn Martin-Carman
1970–2021
Sherri passed away suddenly on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, at the age of 51.
Sherri found great joy in serving others through her job as a chaplain at Tri-County Mennonite Homes (Nithview) and Trinity Village Care Centre, as well as lending a helping hand to anyone in need. She was an ordained pastor through Mennonite Church Eastern Canada and was well known by her various involvements in the organization. Sherri attended Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana, from 1996 to 1998 and participated in voluntary service in Indiana for a few years following. She enjoyed music, specifically playing piano and singing at her place of work, as well as at her church, Hawkesville (Ontario) Mennonite Church. In her spare time, Sherri enjoyed scrapbooking and greatly valued time spent with family and friends.
Sherri will be missed by her loving husband of 18 years, James Martin-Carman, along with her children, Justin Frayne and Caleb Martin-Carman, all of Elmira. She will be forever remembered by her mother, Pauline Martin; her sister, Tammy (Calvin) Shantz; and her nieces, Erika (Marty) Metzger and Amber (Jacob) Vos. Sherri is predeceased by her father, Allen Martin.
Visitation was held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, and from 12 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, at Floradale Mennonite Church, 22 Florapine Rd., RR 1, Elmira. A funeral service took place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at Floradale Mennonite Church. A recording of Sherri's service is available on the funeral home website.
In Sherri’s memory, donations to Mennonite Central Committee or Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary would be appreciated.
Want to receive AMBS news and updates via email? Subscribe here.