Martha Lejeune

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Martha Lejeune [Hamlescher, née Bierlinger] who peacefully entered eternal rest on the afternoon of November 11th, 2025 in Parma,Ohio.

She was a strong woman who carried herself with modesty, intelligence, and dignity.

Martha was a devoted wife to her husbands, Thomas Hamlescher and later Siegfried Lejeune. A beloved mother to sons Ewald and Richard, step-mother to Helga and Cindy, mother-in-law to Sylvie and Marianne, and Oma to grandsons Jakob and Lukas and granddaughter Tess. She was also a Tante (aunt), cousin, and friend to many.

Born in Sendling (Munich), Germany in 1933, she was preceded in death by her mother, Anna, her father, Johann, and older sisters Hilde and Anne. After surviving the second world war and immigrating to the U.S., she married Thomas Hamlescher. They were married in the living room of their immigration sponsors in Cleveland, Ohio. Martha was devoted to being a mother, wife, and homemaker from then on.

She was involved in several German-American organizations throughout her life, including singing and volunteering with Schuhplattler und Trachtenverein Bavaria and the Alliance of Transylvanian Saxons and teaching with the German Language School. After Thomas' untimely death in 1977, Martha married widower Siegfried Lejeune, of Belgium, in 1979. Each of them brought two children into the marriage. In 2000, Siegfriend and Martha moved to Leesville, Ohio in a cozy cabin-turned-home, where the couple enjoyed hosting loved ones and immersion in nature until moving back to the Cleveland area in 2018. Martha was preceded in death by Siegfried in 2020.

Martha loved animals. She especially loved feeding birds and the family dog Woody. She enjoyed taking day trips, hosting loved ones, drinking a Radler and/or Bailey's Irish Cream, and returning to Germany and vicinity to visit family and friends. We will miss her beyond measure and are grateful for what she has done for us. Ruhe in Frieden.

A memorial service, held at a later date, will be announced by the family forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Cleveland Animal Protective League, St. Jude Children's Hospital, and Veteran's Organizations listed on VA.gov.

Bollinger Funeral Services is honored to be assisting the family.