Martha Emerson Popichak

Martha Emerson Cox Popichak, 74, of Bethlehem, died Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospital-Anderson Campus, Bethlehem Township, after a courageous six-month battle with acute myeloid leukemia. She was born Oct. 1, 1951, in New York City to the late Rev. Dr. Howard H. Cox and Shirley L. (Peet) Cox. She spent her early childhood in Brooklyn, N.Y., and Princeton, N.J., before moving to Bethlehem in 1960. A 1969 graduate of Liberty High School, Martha earned a B.A. degree from Moravian College in 1973. As a pianist and organist, her career spanned more than 50 years and was spent both teaching and performing sacred music, which was central to her life. She had recently retired after 18 years from the position of Director of Music at Emmaus Moravian Church, and had previously served as the director of music at College Hill Moravian Church in Bethlehem. She was also closely involved with the music ministry of Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem, for many years, and taught music therapy to children at the former Vitalistic Therapeutic Center in Bethlehem. Martha inspired hundreds of young people there and as a private-lesson piano and organ teacher. She was a soprano in the Bach Choir of Bethlehem, where she was also a choir representative to the board of trustees. Her involvement in the choir brought her much joy and lasting friendships over more than five decades, as well as the opportunity to travel on choir trips to places such as Great Britain, Germany and Austria. She also enjoyed spending time in New York City with her husband's family. Beyond music, her passions included gardening, culinary endeavors, politics, ice cream, Phillies baseball, her cats, her family and her friends. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and creativity that will continue to inspire all whose lives she touched. SURVIVORS Martha is survived by her husband of 48 years, Andy; her children, Josh and Sylvia; her sisters, Sara and Emily (Henry), and her brother, Jonathan (Eleanor); her nieces, Abigail, Charlotte and Hannah; many cousins and extended family members; and her cat, Ginger. SERVICES A memorial service in celebration of Martha's life will be held at Central Moravian Church, Main and Church streets, Bethlehem, on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 1 p.m., with a nearby reception to follow. Arrangements are entrusted to the Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Hellertown. Online condolences may be shared at Heintzelmancares.com. CONTRIBUTIONS In lieu of flowers, contributions honoring Martha's legacy may be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation, the Moravian Church Northern Province and/or the Bach Choir of Bethlehem. In memory of Martha, her family also encourages those who are able to give a life-saving gift through blood donation. To send a flower arrangement in memory of Martha Emerson Cox Popichak, please click here to visit our sympathy store.