Sieglinde Martin

Sieglinde Martin, residing in Worthington, Ohio, passed away peacefully in a hospice setting, surrounded by loving and devoted family, at the age of 84, during the evening of December 15, 2024.

She was born in Langenfeld, Germany to Reinhold and Erika (Leug) Hoemann and immigrated to the U.S. in 1964. Sieglinde earned her degree in physical therapy at the University of Cologne in Germany, completed a fellowship in physical therapy at the Kansas University Medical Center, and subsequently earned her Master of Science from The Ohio State University.

She was exceptionally passionate about her work with children and families and supported them in a number of settings including the OSU-affiliated Nisonger Center, the Franklin County Early Childhood Center, the Upper Arlington School District, the renowned Nationwide Children’s Hospital Outpatient Clinic, and most significantly in her own private practice, Children’s Physical Therapy. In 2006 Sieglinde published Teaching Motor Skills to Children with Cerebral Palsy and Similar Movement Disorders: A Guide for Parents and Professionals, which she updated and republished in 2023. This book continues to be an invaluable, healing resource for families and professionals throughout the world.

After retirement, Sieglinde’s commitment to peace through her personal activism inspired her project Small Feet on The Run, a poignant collection of true stories and personal recollections from survivors who were children during World War 2, and an impassioned argument against war. She was an active participant in Central Ohioans for Peace, and Moms for Action, who vigorously expressed her beliefs in numerous social action causes.

Sieglinde was a spirited adventurer and stayed active throughout her life, joining her family on camping trips, white water rafting excursions, and mountain hikes. She loved to swim in oceans and lakes, garden vigorously, and read, and she was known for keeping a critical eye on politics. A beloved activity in recent years was folk-dancing with a local group, and she even participated from home when restricted to a Zoom gathering during the pandemic. Sieglinde was a positive centripetal force for her family, visiting her siblings in Germany often, and organizing annual family trips and gatherings with her children and grandchildren. Powerful and independent, Sieglinde was an impressive person, a loving mother, and a committed caring Oma (grandmother). She engaged people with her ready smile, empathy and kindness. Sieglinde genuinely cared deeply for the welfare and health of others in communities small and large.

Sieglinde is survived by her life partner Fred Pastor, her children Kristine Martin (Steve Harris) of Syracuse, NY, Frank Martin of Selfridge, ND, Ulrike Martin (Mike Anderson) of Sunbury, OH, and Heide Martin (Patrick Coughlin) of Appleton, ME, her grandchildren Bela Harris, Leif Anderson, Annika Anderson, Max Harris, Ilsa Coughlin, and August Coughlin and brothers Helgi Hoemann of Langenfeld, Germany and Reinhold Hoemann of Duisburg, Germany. Sieglinde was predeceased by her husband Dr. Gerhard Martin, sister Heide Hoemann and brother Wolfgang Hoemann. The family welcomes friends to join them for a celebration of Sieglinde’s life in the afternoon of Saturday, January 18th, 2025 at the Griswold Center, 777 High Street, in Worthington, Ohio. Details to follow.