Marta Frieda Bordelon, 92, of Bel Air

Marta Frieda Bordelon (nee Bauer), 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, June 7.

She was born on Nov. 25, 1922, in Ellhofen, Germany. Marta was the beloved wife of the late Nelson P. Bordelon for 63 years. She had the most fulfilling career of her life as the best mother and wife.

Marta’s life revolved around family and she loved having family gatherings. She was the most resourceful mother anyone could ask for—she cooked, baked, sewed clothes, crocheted, knitted and even gave permanents to her daughters. She won many Blue Ribbons at the Harford County Fair for her crocheted entries. She had the talent of crocheting dozens of stuffed animals, beautiful one of a kind Barbie doll clothes, baby outfits, tablecloths, quilts, and laces for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed volunteering for local animal shelters and rescues by crocheting doggie sweaters, collars, and blankets for the dogs and cats.

She was a 53-year cancer survivor and would participate in the Cancer Relay for Life Event held annually for cancer survivors. For many years she was the oldest cancer survivor and was given the honor of cutting the starting line ribbon and leading the survivors around the track. She was an inspiration to other cancer survivors with her positive attitude. She had a zest for life and encouraged others never to give up hope.

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Marta was a military wife and traveled with her husband to Germany, Texas, California and Maryland, where they settled after his retirement from the U.S. Army. She was a strong and willful woman coming to the United States speaking very little English and getting quickly acquainted with the language and customs.

She is survived by her children Michael Bordelon and his wife Carole from Greenbelt, daughters Linda Bullis and her husband Gerry from Fallston, and Shirley Berends Querns and her husband Ronald from Havre de Grace. Marta is survived by four grandchildren, Lauren Wisniewski and husband Jimmy from Greenbelt, Jay Berends and his wife Bridget from Abingdon, David Bullis and Lindsey Mills from Fallston and Anna Bradford and her husband Stephen from Greenbelt. Also two great grandchildren that would always bring such joy when she saw them, Lena Berends and Jack Bradford. Her nieces, Jutta Schmocker and Doris Murrweiss from Germany, Rita Benham from Michigan, and Fay Krupski from New York also survive her. The family of Marta wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Brightview Assisted Living in Bel Air for the compassionate care she received while a resident.

Visitation will be held at Tarring Cargo Funeral Home on Thursday, June 11, from 6-8 p.m., where funeral services will be held Friday, June 12, at 10 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, a donation, in Marta Bordelon’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis TN 38101.