On November 1, 2023, Martha Lucas Biederbeck of Vancouver, WA, age 82, passed away in the loving company of her husband of 64 years, and their children at Sunnyside Medical Center in Clackamas, Oregon. Martha was born on March 1, 1941, in Monmouth, IL. Though she would go on to live in Erie, Pennsylvania, and Lakeshore Michigan, she always called the nearby town of Galesburg, IL her hometown. Martha married Charles Biederbeck shortly after her 18th birthday in 1959.

Martha is survived by her husband, Charles; her children, Kelli Taylor, Nandora Hardy, Gregg Biederbeck, and Lucinda Schorr; her grandchildren, J. Victor Biederbeck, Natalie Schorr, and Lorelei Schorr; her step-grandchildren, Katie Schorr and Deana Merriman; and her great-grandchildren, Violet Biederbeck and Elliott Biederbeck. Martha is predeceased by her parents, J. Victor Lucas and Jane Gregg Lucas; her sister, Hannah Jane Lucas; and her granddaughter, Samantha Biederbeck.

Martha’s first greatest love was the family she and Charles built together. Always one to consider others, she would often set aside things that made her think of them and their interests to give to them when she would see them next. Martha would also keep an ear out for news that would impact her family, checking in with them that they were safe and doing well, and help her family through hardship whenever the need would arise. To her grandchildren, she was the quintessential grandma, pragmatic, goofy, and loving all at once. Martha made cookies for her grandchildren, babysat, and always made a second home for them. No matter where she lived, she always had a room for her family.

Martha enjoyed showing her love for her family and friends through her second greatest love, sewing. She would sew toys of her own wacky creation, quilts, curtains, Halloween costumes, and more. If she was given a pair of pants to alter, it would come back with money in the pocket. Even her remaining fabric is to be sewn up and donated.

Born and raised on a farm in Illinois, Martha branched out and experienced life in various places. She held diverse roles in her professional journey, ranging from a tailor in a men's suit store in Galesburg to cutter at a suede coat business near Kewanee, IL. Her career included positions as a Singer Sewing Machine representative, fabric store manager, fabric designer, and wholesaler, always combining creativity with building connections. Mississippi became her next home, marking the beginning of a long Walmart career, and she eventually settled down in Vancouver, WA. Martha has called Vancouver home for 30 years, staying close to her children as they established families of their own. She cherishes being a part of their lives, and they, in turn, appreciate having her nearby.

 In honor of Martha's memory, the family suggests donations to the American Lung Association. While no formal funeral is planned, her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched with her love, warmth, and creative spirit.