Martha Helene Keleti

She lived part of her young adult life in Prague, which contributed to her love of culture, especially music.

Martha spent much of her life in Bratislava, where she met and married Dr Georg Keleti.

She enjoyed her teaching profession in Bratislava, where she taught Slovak language and physical education.

Martha was an outstanding teacher, particularly with difficult students.

She had two children: Eva Keleti and Dr Daniel Keleti.

In 1968 the family moved to Freiburg, Germany for two years where she and Georg shared friendships with Georg’s colleagues at the Max-Planck Institute for Immunobiology.

Subsequently they moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where they developed friendships with the people they knew at the University of Pittsburgh, the Czechoslovak Nationality Room Committee, and JCC of Pittsburgh.

Martha was a teacher at the Slovak Catholic Parish, St. Michael’s of Munhall, PA.

Martha also taught Slovak Folk Songs to members of the Pittsburgh Area Slovaks. Through her dedication to sharing her cultural heritage, she helped prepare these individuals for performances at the Pittsburgh Folk Festival. Her involvement not only fostered a love for Slovak music within the community but also contributed to the celebration of Slovak traditions in Pittsburgh.

Martha also worked as a general manager at GNC stores.

After her retirement, Martha found great joy in participating in outings with the Sierra Club. These experiences allowed her to connect with nature and pursue her passion for outdoor activities. Through her involvement, Martha formed meaningful friendships with fellow members, further enriching her social life during her retirement years.

Following her retirement and death of her husband, she moved to Overland Park, Kansas, to live near her son Daniel and his family.

While in Overland Park, Martha loved participating in The J activities, especially swimming and The Heritage program.

Here she also developed strong friendships, including with Margarita Natanov and Sheldon Wishna.

Martha benefited from courteous and supportive neighbors.

Martha cherished her independence in her home. She continued to live in her home for as long as possible, only experiencing a brief period away due to her recent serious medical episode.

Some of her passions were: animals, music, singing, swimming, walks, dancing and elegant, colorful clothing, especially hats.

She will be missed by her children Dr Daniel Keleti and Eva Keleti, daughter in-law Dr Ingrid Keleti, grandchildren Isabel Keleti and Alexandra Kelsay, grandson in-law Zachary Kelsay, as well as her extended family and friends.

Martha was preceded in her death by her grandson Michael Keleti and by her siblings Eva Maxian, John Maxian and Anna Maugle.

Memorial service honoring Martha Keleti will be held at McGilley State Line Chapel on Sunday February 15th at 11 AM, followed by a burial at 2 PM at Mount Moriah.

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