Martha Friedman, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and Holocaust survivor, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025—just two days before what would have been her 98th birthday.
Born in 1927 in Vác, Hungary, Martha’s life was tragically upended by the Holocaust. Alongside her cherished sister, Anna, she survived her time as a prisoner in Auschwitz, multiple other concentration camps, and a harrowing death march, before being liberated in 1945. Martha and Anna were the only members of their immediate family to survive. Their father died young, but their mother, brother, and most of their aunts, uncles, and cousins were murdered. The sisters’ unshakable faith, resilience, and devotion to one another sustained them through unimaginable suffering.
In the years that followed, Martha became a witness to history. She spoke often to younger generations about her experiences, helping to educate children about the Holocaust and the importance of remembrance.
After the war, Martha emigrated to the United States to reunite with Anna, who had already begun building a new life. In 1953, she met and married Alex Friedman—also a Holocaust survivor—after meeting at the wedding of a mutual friend. Together, they built a warm and loving home, first in the Bronx and later in New Jersey. Their son, Steven, was born in 1955.
Martha worked for many years as a bookkeeper for a jewelry manufacturer in Manhattan before launching her own jewelry distribution business. With determination and ingenuity, she transformed her knowledge and industry connections into a successful and independent venture. She was a crossing guard for the local school children in her neighborhood, a job which brought her great joy.
She was elegant and poised—never without a bright, stylish cardigan, and always with her hair, nails, and makeup perfectly done, even for the smallest occasion. She carried herself with grace, but above all, Martha was deeply devoted to her family.
She was a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. Her bond with Anna’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was especially strong, reflecting the close-knit, extended family she helped nurture. Her generosity knew no bounds. If someone she loved needed anything, she gave without hesitation.
Martha is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Nancy Friedman; her grandchildren, Adam Friedman and Valerie (William) Bronson; and her great-granddaughters, Natalie and Lillian. Her memory will also be treasured by her extended family and all who had the privilege of knowing her and learning from her extraordinary example of strength, love, and perseverance.
A private funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 15 at Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel, with burial to follow at Congregation Brothers of Israel Cemetery in Hamilton, NJ. Shiva will be observed Wednesday and Thursday from 12pm – 5pm at Martha’s home in Lawrenceville.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Martha’s memory to Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS) of Greater Mercer County.
I have known Martha since the early years at Brothers of Israel in Trenton.
We checked in on each other daily. She was like a sister to me. Always having a good thing to say and a smile on her face.
All of my children also thought of Martha as family. She will be missed more than anyone can imagine.
I love you Martha, my dear friend.
Harriet Belovin
I am here now at the first SHIVA call, I just remembered as I was driving there early when I made the left-hand turn onto Darrah Lane that Martha was my daughter’s crossing guard for the Benjamin Franklin Elementary School from the fall of 1998 to the spring of 2000 before going off to the Lawrence Intermediate School like I did, my daughter was in the school district 2–12, I was in the school district K–12 starting in the fall of 1966.
May God bless her in heaven with the duties of a crossing guard for the children who have gone to their eternal ward way too early, and everything else that she had her hands involved with, definitely pushing community service and teaching everyone about the holocaust, let us all support the family as they will continue that message.
Amen. 🙏
I have known Martha for the past ten years as she was a member of the Kosher Care. She was a wonderful, loving, and caring woman with whom I felt a close connection. Never an unkind word passed her lips. As she was always warm and pleasant to everyone it brightened my day to see her. She will always be in my heart and will never be forgotten. Love you, Martha