Martha Lijewski

Martha Patricia Nordstrom Lijewski, 81, died Monday, November 27, 2023, at Cerenity Marian Senior Care in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Martha is survived by her husband of 59 years, David Lijewski; sister Sharon Gilles (Dean); siblings Scott (Julie) Nordstrom and Elaine (James) Green; in-laws Carl (Jeri) Lijewski, Judy Berman and Alexis Stamper; children Kathy Morneau (Mike), Andy Lijewski, Patrick Lijewski (Pam), and Matt Lijewski (Shanna); numerous Nordstrom and Lijewski nieces and nephews; grandchildren Bridget Dethomas (Ralph), Ashley (Joe) Hamblin, Andie (Will) Bockenhauer, James Lijewski, Summer Hassert, Maddy Hassert, Bella Hassert, Jordan Lijewski, Joey Dahl (Destiny), Miranda Lijewski, and Mason Lijewski; and great-grandchildren Alana and Noah.

She is preceded in death by siblings Florence, Wally, Tim, Stella, Mike and Terry Nordstrom; niece Reneé Gilles; son-in-law Tom Dahl; and in-laws Kevin Lijewski, Terry (Bert) Lijewski and Peggy Lijewski. Martha's loved ones remember her generous heart, creative spirit, strong character and curious mind.

Martha was born, raised and lived her whole life on the east side of St. Paul. She attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, Harding High School and graduated from Mount St. Mary's Academy where she studied cosmetology. She was a licensed beautician and gave many haircuts to family, friends and neighbors over the years.

Growing up as an elder child in a family of 8, Martha grew mature beyond her years from a young age. Caring for others was innate to her nature throughout her lifetime. Despite the hardships she faced growing up, she sought adventure in the outdoors, swimming at Lake Phalen in the summer, exploring Battle Creek Park with her siblings, looking down from the bluffs at Mounds Park to watch the planes at Holman Field and ice skating at Margaret Street Playgrounds near her home. An avid reader with an artistic streak, Martha valued family and was fortified by her faith. She championed compassion, care for the poor and self-sacrifice. Involved at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, she taught Sunday school, volunteered at summer Camp Tokinida, ran a Pirate's Booty booth at the Fall Bazaar and occasionally appeared in full makeup as a clown to delight the kids.

During the years she spent raising her children, she created simple and fun activities for dozens of neighborhood kids such as Movie Day where she showed home movies. Other times, she piled kids into the car to go to the Phalen Park Bandshell for outdoor sing along events or to Lake Phalen to swim. She was the "fun mom".

Martha started driving school bus in 1977 to earn a little extra money for the family. This turned into a 30 year career of early mornings and cold winters, but flexible hours. She was no-nonsense with the kids on her route and they toed the line for her.

As the years passed, Martha and her husband Dave enjoyed attending local music shows, watching their son Andy perform as the frontman of different bands over the years. When she became a grandmother, Grandma Martha's house was a busy place on weekends where board game were usually played and a trip to Mounds Park was never out of the question. As the grandkids grew older, a springtime getaway to St. Pete's Beach, Florida was an annual ritual for many years.

She will be missed by all who knew her. Family and friends are invited to visiting hours on Thursday, December 28 at Mueller Memorial, 835 Johnson Pkwy, St. Paul, from 4-7 pm, with a short service/song at 6:30 pm. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis Cabrini Church, 1500 Franklin Ave SE., Minneapolis on Friday, December 29 at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior. There will be a luncheon following the Mass. All are welcome to attend to celebrate Martha's life.

In lieu of flowers, consider supporting a cause Martha championed in life-food security or the alleviation of human suffering-via a donation in her honor to Second Harvest Heartland or the American Red Cross.