Martha L. Maletz (née Leedle), 96, founder of the Community Music School of the Lehigh Valley died peacefully at her residence March 22, 2019. She was the wife of the late Joseph Maletz. She and her husband shared a love of music which continued through their 58 years of marriage. She played the piano and he played the violin.

For many years, she offered private piano lessons in her home in Philadelphia and Allentown.

In 1981, she acted on a passionate ambition to create a community music school in Allentown where anyone could go for music lessons without regard to their ability to play. Her model was the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia, one of the oldest community schools of the arts in the nation. In 1982, the Community Music School opened its doors with seven faculty members and 38 students. It now employs over 30 professional musicians who provide high-quality private and group instruction to over 300 students of all ages and in nearly every instrument and voice.

She and her husband sang in several choral groups in the Lehigh Valley including the Camerata Singers, the Cantata Singers and the choir at St. Timothy’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

She is survived by children, Donald, William and Ruth; their spouses, Maryanne, Barbara and John, respectively; grandchildren Elizabeth, Christopher and Andrew; Emily and Cynthia; and Samuel, Erica and Elliott; 14 great-grandchildren.

Contributions may be made to Community Music School or St. Timothy’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she was a longtime active member.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. June 3 in St. Timothy’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 140 S. Ott St., Allentown, followed by a reception at the Community Music School, 1544 Hamilton St., Allentown.