Martha Maria Awender passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on December 27, 2021 at age 92. She was born on June 4, 1929 in Vienna, Austria to Karl and Maria (Lokay) Stary. She spent many happy days throughout her youth on the Blue Danube with her family. Martha graduated from the Academy of Commerce in Vienna, Austria. During her studies, she met the love of her life, Helmut Awender. They married on May 10, 1952.

Together they emigrated from Martha's beloved homeland of Austria, eventually settling in Chicago, where they had their 4 children: Martha, Reinhardt, Erich, and Christine. The family moved to Freeport in 1964, where Martha helped Helmut establish his dental practice.

Martha had many interests and talents. She was famous for her Austrian cooking and baking. A natural teacher, she shared her love of the German language with grateful students throughout the years.

Martha was a lover of poetry and music and was an accomplished dancer.

A sports enthusiast, you could always find Martha in the bleachers, cheering on her children and grandchildren at their games. Martha herself was a racquetball champ and even stepped in as a basketball coach when needed.

Above all else, Martha's kindness touched the lives of everyone she met. She had the unique ability of making everyone feel special, important, and loved. A faithful confidant, Martha's gentle words and wisdom could help ease any burden.

Martha was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and a Perpetual Adoration Adorer. She was also a member of the Institute of German-American Relations and the Danube Swabian Society.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Karl and Maria Stary, parents-in-law, Dr. Jakob and Eva Awender, sister, Gertrude Ertl, brother-in-law, Dr. Herbert Awender, brother-in-law, Dr. Erich Awender, nephew, Ralph Awender, and sister-in-law, Adelheid Awender.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Helmut Awender of Freeport, IL; brother, Christof (Johanna) Stary of Germany; children, Martha (Anton) Rosc of Freeport, IL, Dr. Reinhardt (Mary) Awender of Freeport, IL, Dr. Erich (Carolyn) Awender of Freeport, IL, and Christine Awender of Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Anthony (Danielle) Rosc of Pasadena, CA, Christina (Christian) Pilz of Vienna, Austria, Angela (Andrew) Reeter of Freeport, IL, Alexander Rosc of Chicago, IL, Reinhardt (Dana) Awender of Freeport, IL, Jakob (Catherine) Awender of Crystal Lake, IL, Maria (Cort) Lawton of Crystal Lake, IL, Erich Awender of McHenry, IL, Ana Awender of Freeport, IL, Katya Awender of Chicago, IL, and Adam Awender of Freeport, IL; great-grandchildren, Vanessa Pilz,Teo Pilz, Nora Awender, Mac Lawton, and Kane Lawton; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Mama's "angels" at FHN for going above and beyond with their warm and compassionate care.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 2, 2022 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Walker Mortuary in Freeport, IL.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, January 3, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Freeport, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Martha's memory to the following organizations: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Freeport Catholic Schools, and Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in Chicago.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com