1938
2017
Martina Erika Zehner, age 79
Martina Zehner passed away on September 3, 2017, in Sunnyvale, CA after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. Martina was born on August 12, 1938, in Leipzig, Germany to her loving parents, Martin and Erika Hums. Despite growing up in one of the most trying and chaotic eras in history, Martina was a gentle soul.
During the turbulent post-war years in Germany, Martina helped raise her younger siblings, Karin and Peter, while working and attending school. In search of adventure and opportunity, she immigrated to America in 1961 to work as an au pair in Highland Park, a suburb of Chicago. Soon thereafter, she met her future husband, Claus, at the "Deutsches Eck" (or German Corner). Their relationship blossomed, and Martina and Claus married on July 6, 1963.
The couple moved to the San Francisco Bay Area where they have lived for over 50 years. Together with Claus, Martina raised a family in Redwood City and Mountain View while also volunteering for a variety of community organizations and schools. After her sons were in college, she worked for more than 10 years at Norney's as the buyer and manager of its famed, Christmas-ornament department.
Compassionate and caring, selfless in service, patient but persistent, Martina devoted her life to her family, friends, and community. She was passionate about her gardening, her heritage, and her family and friends. Martina truly made the lives of others better.
She is survived by Claus, her husband of 54 years; her siblings: Karin and Peter; her sons: Matthias and Michael; her daughters-in-law: Alisa and Helen; and her grandchildren: Aidan, Nadia, and Raelyn.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith"
- 2 Timothy 4:7
Arrangements under the direction of Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary, Santa Clara, CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary.
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