Martha Fedoriw

Martha (Sawa) Fedoriw, age 77, of Virginia Beach, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025. She was born on February 12, 1948, in São Paulo, Brazil, the youngest of four children of John and Alexandra Sawa, who immigrated from Ukraine/Poland in search of a better life. The family later settled in New York City in the late 1950s, where Martha would soon begin the life she cherished.

Martha met the love of her life, Michael Fedoriw, on a blind double date arranged for his brother. The intended match didn't work out, but Martha and Mike instantly connected, beginning a partnership that would last a lifetime. They married in 1969 and built a beautiful life together, raising two daughters and eventually settling on Long Island in the 1980s to fulfill their dream of owning a home.

In Farmingdale, NY, Martha devoted herself to nurturing her family with love, warmth, and her unmistakable wit. She worked various jobs, but found her true calling in service to others. For most of her career, she waitressed the overnight shift at several local diners, hours she chose to balance home and work. Martha adored interacting with her customers, especially "her kids," as she lovingly called the younger crowd who wandered in after a night out. She always had a story to share from her shift, told with a smile.

Martha also worked for several years as a cook for the Farmingdale Head Start Program, where her love for children shone through. Her greatest joy, however, was her five grandchildren, who spent countless weekends at Grandma's. She never missed an adventure, whether a trip to the mall, the waterpark, or hopping on a bus or train to the beach. Despite not driving, nothing stopped her; her independence and energy were boundless.

Martha shared an especially close, loving relationship with her daughters. They spent countless hours shopping, dining, laughing, and simply enjoying one another's company. They called each other constantly, a habit that continued unfailingly through the years. She often said how proud she was of her girls, and how peacefully she slept knowing they were happy and thriving, a testament to her love and dedication as a mother.

Her bond with Mike was steadfast and true. Together, they navigated life's challenges and joys: days at the beach, family gatherings, road trips, music, and dancing.

In the early 2000s, Martha and Mike relocated to Virginia Beach, VA, a place they had long loved visiting. Martha continued her work in food service and embraced the oceanfront lifestyle, soaking up the sun, surf, and listening to live music for as long as she was able.

Martha will be remembered for her dry humor (an inheritance from her father), her sunny disposition, and the signature perfume her grandchildren still recall with fondness. She loved music, especially the oldies, and amassed a collection over the years.

Martha was preceded in death by her two beloved sisters, Elisabeth Sawa and Irene Strang. She is survived by her devoted husband, Michael; her two daughters Nina (Albert) Schwartz and Christina (Ben) Moston; her five grandchildren Victor Michael (Paige) Quijano, Tyler Moston, Nicholas Quijano, Traysia Moston, and Kyla Moston; her great-grandson Michael Quijano; her brother Bohdan (Lucy) Sawa; and her nieces, nephew, friends, and extended family. She will be forever loved and deeply missed.

A memorial service to celebrate Martha's life will be held at a later date in New York. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a child or animal welfare organization of your choice in her memory. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.altmeyerfh.com.