Maria Marta Bastian

In Loving Memory of Maria Marta Bastian July 15, 1931 – July 19, 2025
Maria Marta Bastian, lovingly known as Marta, entered eternal rest on July 19, 2025, at the age of 94, surrounded by the love and prayers of those who remained faithfully by her side.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, on July 15, 1931, Marta was the daughter of Peter H. and Mary Prenting (née Seidel). She spent her formative years in Poughkeepsie, NY, where her family ran The Valetor's Deluxe Dry Cleaners. It was in Poughkeepsie where she met the love of her life, Bernhard Bastian, at The Little Brauhaus-a local restaurant owned by his parents, Hermann and Ida (née Stumpf) Bastian.
Marta and Bernhard were married in 1953 at Holy Trinity Church in Poughkeepsie. Their life together, rooted in faith and devotion, took them through Troy, NY, and East Orange, NJ, before settling in Michigan. There, they raised eleven children and were eventually blessed with 31 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren-who affectionately called her "Oma."
A devoted parishioner of the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Marta lived her Catholic faith with quiet strength and grace. Her creativity was evident in the many forms of art she enjoyed-especially her well-loved pottery. She also found joy in painting, crafting, and gardening, particularly when sharing those moments with her grandchildren, who will always remember their time with Oma as filled with love, creativity, and gentle guidance.
In retirement, Marta and Bernhard loved to "bummele"-to wander without hurry-as they traveled throughout the United States and Germany, visiting friends, family, and familiar places.
Marta is preceded in death by her brother, Theodore O. Prenting, who passed away earlier this year, and by her beloved husband, Bernhard. She is survived by all eleven of her children, William (Gina), Ernst (Melissa), Joseph (Julie), Karl (Maria), Marta (Joe), Erika, Kristine (Michael), Karen (Andrew), Bernhard (Bonnie), Paul (Jen), and Michael (Barb)-as well as her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many extended family members.
Viewing will be held on Thursday, July 24, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at William Sullivan & Son Funeral Home in Royal Oak, with a service to follow.
Marta's life was marked by quiet strength, deep faith, and enduring love. May she rest in the peace of Christ, and may perpetual light shine upon her.
Please share a memory at www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com