Martha J. Luketich
Cokeburg
Martha J. Luketich passed away peacefully Monday, August 10, 2026 in Southmont Presbyterian Senior Care in Washington. She was born January 6, 1929 in Uniontown, to Mike Cindric and Anna Kekich Cindric and was raised in nearby West Leisenring.
After graduating from North Union High School, Martha worked briefly as a secretary to the school’s supervising principal. In the early 1950s, she accepted a secretarial position at the home office of the Croatian Fraternal Union of America, where she worked for several years in the office of the supreme secretary.
It was through her involvement in the Croatian community that Martha met her future husband, Bernard M. Luketich of Cokeburg. Bernard had been invited by Martha’s father to teach Croatian dances at the Croatian Hall in Uniontown. Martha went on to organize the CFU Lodge 72 Kolo Group, and through their shared love of Croatian culture and community, their friendship blossomed into love.
Martha and Bernard were married September 20, 1952, and shared a remarkable 63-year marriage filled with love, family, friendship, and service to their community, until Bernard’s passing December 8, 2015.
As Bernard’s career and leadership within the Croatian Fraternal Union and the Croatian community grew in importance, Martha was steadfastly by his side. Her love, encouragement, and unwavering support were instrumental in all that he accomplished. She was truly the embodiment of the phrase, “Behind every successful man is a woman.” Yet Martha was much more than a supportive wife; she embraced and distinguished herself in the role of First Lady of the Croatian Fraternal Union. With grace, warmth, and genuine dedication, she became an important and beloved presence within the Croatian community, leaving a legacy of her own alongside Bernard’s.
Martha also embraced a number of important roles within their local CFU Lodge 354 “St. George” of Cokeburg. She served for many years as a member of the Board of Trustees and proudly represented her Lodge at six National CFU Quadrennial Conventions. Over the years, she generously donated her time to cleaning and maintaining the Croatian Home and was especially known for baking her popular apple and cheese strudels for the many annual events held there.
Perhaps her most cherished responsibility was caring for and managing the extensive collection of original Croatian national costumes worn by the St. George Jr. Tamburitzans. Martha took meticulous care not only of the beautiful costumes, but also of the many young performers who wore them. Martha lovingly dressed and prepared hundreds of children for performances throughout the United States, Canada, and Croatia. Her patience, kindness, and genuine affection for the children earned their respect and admiration – a bond that many of them carried with them throughout their lives and continue to hold to this day.
In addition to her deep dedication to her Croatian heritage and the Croatian Fraternal Union, Martha and her husband, Bernard, were devoted to their local community and the people who called it home. Together, they generously shared their time, resources, and compassion with the Borough of Cokeburg and its residents. They were always willing to lend a helping hand and extended genuine kindness, friendship, and care to their neighbors and those around them.
A devoted Catholic and a member of St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Martha was a woman of deep and abiding faith. Her Catholic faith was an integral part of her life, providing her with strength, comfort, and guidance throughout the years. She faithfully prayed the Rosary each evening, a cherished practice that reflected the depth of her devotion to God and her unwavering faith.
Martha is survived by her daughters, Marlene (Daniel) Kochis and Bernadette (John) Sikaras; her grandsons, Derek (Amanda) Hohn, Adam Henderson, and Marko Kochis; and great- grandchildren, Karlo and Zora; as well as nieces, nephews, and many dear friends, especially Meleva Pohlot, Kathy McGaha and Drago Luketich.
In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bernard; her sister, Dorothy Smargie; and her brother, Joseph Cindric.
Arrangements are entrusted to the LEONARD M. PAVLIC FUNERAL HOMES, INC., 405 Main Street, Bentleyville. Visitation will be held Monday, August 17, from 6 to 8 p.m., with recitation of the Rosary at 7:45 p.m.; Tuesday, August 18, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be con-celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 19, in St. Katharine Drexel Parish, 126 Church Street, Bentleyville. Guests are asked to proceed directly to the church.
Interment will follow at St. Luke’s Cemetery, located directly behind the church.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the professionals and staff of Southmont Presbyterian Senior Care for the compassionate and excellent care they provided to their mother.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be directed to the CFU Scholarship Foundation, 100 Delaney Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15235.
Condolences may be expressed at www.pavlicfuneralhomes.com