Diane S. Martin, retired district justice
Diane S. (Repyneck) Martin, 63, of Bethlehem, Pa., passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022 at St. Luke’s Hospice House of Bethlehem, after a heroic 10-year battle with breast cancer.
Diane entered this world Aug. 18, 1958, in Bethlehem. She was the beloved daughter of the late William S. Repyneck and Ann R. (Udvardi) Repyneck.
Diane received her bachelor’s degree in criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She began her career as a dispatcher for the Lower Saucon Police Dept. until she saw the opportunity to run against the local incumbent judge. With the support of her Democratic base and the great support of wealthy white-collar Republicans from the township, she won and proudly served 23 years as district justice for Lower Saucon Twp. Diane met the love of her life while working as a district judge. Her next case appeared before her and there was Christian F. Martin IV, contesting his speeding ticket. He won the case by presenting a detailed scale model of the incident including a replica of his car, other vehicles, road patterns, stop signs, and landmarks. With his defense, he also won Diane’s heart. They got married in May 1990, shared 31 wonderful years, and have been blessed with their beautiful daughter, Claire. Soon after, Diane chose to retire and stay at home to raise Claire. She was a world traveler who took several cruises around the world with Chris and Claire. Her last spectacular cruise was to Alaska. Diane cherished spending time at their home in Rehoboth. She loved to read and get together with her friends to attend numerous book clubs. She was also prolific in the art of counted cross stitch.
A philanthropist, a business leader, and most importantly, a loving wife and a mother, Diane Martin was loved and respected by many. She led by example through her hands-on commitment to bettering our local community. She was former chair of the Northampton Community College Foundation board, active on the board of the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley, vicechair of the C. F. Martin & Co. board, and vice president of the Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation. She was instrumental in Martin Guitar’s success over the last three decades, fighting for diversity and sustainability, representing the company with numerous organizations, and developing close relationships with many of their customers and partners. Anyone who knew Diane loved her for her quick wit, sense of humor, and compassion. And, while Diane will be greatly missed, we will continue to honor and celebrate her life. Diane loved animals, especially her cat, Emelda, and beloved dog, Dolce.
In addition to her husband, Diane is deeply missed by her daughter, Claire; sister, June Kennedy and husband Bill of Shamong, N.J.; niece and nephew, Anne Richard and husband Raegen, and Matthew Kennedy; also by great-nephews and niece, Weston, Harrison and Alexandra.
A Celebration of Diane’s life will be announced and held in the springtime. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Joseph F. Reichel Funeral Home Inc. of Nazareth.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you consider donating to the Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation and mail to: 510 Sycamore St., Nazareth, PA 18064, to help carry on Diane’s legacy.
Online condolences may be offered at jfreichelfuneralhome.com under her obituary.
