Martha Mary Fehrenbach

Martha Fehrenbach passed away after a brave battle with cancer on February 24, 2025, at the age of 79, leaving a profound emptiness in the hearts of all who knew her. Her warmth, kindness, and loving spirit will be deeply missed.

Born in 1945 in Jersey City, New Jersey, to Stephen and Tessie Skordinski—both second-generation Ukrainian immigrants—Martha was raised in a home rich with cultural heritage and a deep commitment to faith. Alongside her older brother, Stephen and younger brother, Joe, she experienced a childhood filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of family traditions. Her parents instilled in her strong morals and an incredible work ethic, shaping her into a woman of resilience and grace. Their home was a gathering place for extended family on weekends, where Martha honed her skills as a warm and gracious hostess—a gift she shared throughout her life. Proud of her Ukrainian heritage, Martha embraced her Byzantine Catholic faith and cultural traditions, which became the cornerstone of her life.

An eager learner, Martha found inspiration in reading. Determined to pursue higher education, she convinced her parents to allow her to attend college, and with steadfast resolve, she worked tirelessly at bakeries in a train station to save for college. She became the first in her family to earn a degree, graduating from Seton Hall University with a major in education—a natural choice given her love for learning and her desire to share that passion with others.

While attending the wedding of her sorority sister Peggy, Martha met the love of her life, Frank Fehrenbach. They married in 1972 and embarked on a beautiful journey together, eventually settling in Bartonville, Texas, in 1976. In the remote town of just 200 people, they built a life filled with courage and enterprise, establishing a successful textile sales business. Martha embraced the tranquility of country living, transforming their house into a home filled with love, faith, and hospitality.

While Martha was a devoted wife and partner in their business, her greatest joy came from her role as a mother to Frank Fehrenbach, Jr. and Christina Soderberg. Her love for her children was boundless. With her background in teaching, Martha ensured they thrived academically, often turning family trips into enriching experiences with visits to museums and historical sites. She celebrated their individuality and praised their efforts without regard for winning, popularity, or social status. She prioritized their Catholic upbringing by sending them to Cistercian and Ursuline high schools. Her eyes would light up with joy and gratitude in the presence of Cistercian monks and Ursuline teachers—a testament to the depth of her faith.

Martha's home was a place of warmth and welcome. She took immense joy in hosting large holiday dinners, church picnics, and gatherings, cherishing the sense of community they brought. Thoughtful and selfless, she often doted on her guests' comfort until they coaxed her to sit down and enjoy the fruits of her labor. She found happiness in life’s simple pleasures: sitting outside, listening to classical music, and making her home beautiful. Thoughtful and selfless, she had an extraordinary ability to see the bigger picture and adapt effortlessly to ensure everyone around her was comfortable. Only once others were at ease could she allow herself to rest, embodying the essence of a truly considerate heart.

Martha's deep and unwavering faith was evident in every aspect of her life. She joyfully served as a CCD teacher at St. Philip in Lewisville, and was a dedicated member of both St. Basil’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Irving and St. Sophia Ukrainian Catholic Church in The Colony. Her treasured friendships through her church were her second family, and Sundays often ended with heartfelt conversations over a beloved cup of coffee. An active volunteer, she was the secretary for UAST/Ukrainian American Society of Texas, a Ukrainian dance mom and supporter of the dance group in many behind-the-scenes ways. She was also an active supporter of Saint Basil’s and the Knights of Columbus with her husband.

Martha's devotion to her husband was steadfast as she lovingly cared for him through the challenges of a debilitating car accident and kidney disease, embodying a true servant's heart until his passing in 2016. As a grandmother, she embraced her role with boundless love—her grandchildren lovingly knew her as “Grandma Martha”. Their laughter and achievements were her greatest joy, and she delighted in every moment spent with them. Nothing brought her greater happiness than seeing her children and their families thrive in happiness and faith—a fulfillment of her selfless mission as a mother.

Martha’s legacy of love lives on in her surviving family: her children, Frank Fehrenbach, Jr. and Christina Soderberg; her daughter-in-law, Tiffany Fehrenbach; her son-in-law, Matt Soderberg; and her five beloved grandchildren, Carter, Megan, Jack, Macy, and Emery. She is also survived by her older brother Stephen and his wife, Dolores. Though her younger brother Joseph passed away in 2021, his memory remains cherished in our hearts.

Martha's life was a celebration of love, faith, hard work, and the simple joys of life. Known for her smart sense of humor, her full-bodied laugh could light up any room. She relished engaging conversations about current events and sharing opinions. Her upbringing in a busy city made her strong, brave, and self-reliant—qualities that defined her throughout her life. She didn’t place importance on worldly things like status or wealth. Instead, she valued meaningful relationships and being a kind person who saw the best in others and showed deep empathy. Martha truly lived her faith every day—she never judged others and loved unconditionally.

A wake will be held at Rolling Oaks Funeral Home in Coppell at 5:00 PM on March 21, 2025, followed by a Funeral Service on March 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Sophia Ukrainian Catholic Church in The Colony, followed by her burial at Rolling Oaks Memorial Center.

Martha’s gentle spirit, her capacity to love without bounds, and her steadfast belief in the goodness of others will forever remain in our hearts. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may we honor her memory by living our lives with the same grace, gratitude, and devotion that she so beautifully embodied.