Martha R. Roper

Martha Regina (Schwamborn) Roper, age 85, of Rockford, passed away on May 18, 2023.

Martha was born in Cologne, Germany on August 23, 1937, daughter of Adolf and Sibylla Schwamborn. She was educated in Germany and USA. Married Clemens Schmitter in December 1958 and came to the USA in 1960. They divorced in December 1971. Martha later married Raymond J. Roper in March 1976. He passed away in January 1980.

Martha was employed at Advanced Machine & Engineering Co. for 33 years as vice president of finance and control. She enjoyed traveling, reading, planting flowers, and decorating in and around the house. She was active at the German Society of Rockford and German American National Congress.

Surviving relatives include her sisters, Margret (Josef) Vogt, Emmi (Peter) Hoffman; brother, Hans (Brigitte) Schwamborn, sisters-in-law, Monika Schwamborn and Janet (Robert) Bursiek; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She is predeceased by her parents; husband, Raymond; brother, Heinz Schwamborn; parents-in-law, Francis and Patricia Roper and friend, Mahlon Molsberry.

Memorial visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. Rockford, IL 61103. Final resting place will be in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Winnebago, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Martha’s name to the Rockford Rescue Mission. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com