Martha Melk of Washington Crossing, PA, passed away on Tuesday June 3, 2014 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania due to complications from viral pneumonia after receiving a bone marrow transplant for AML leukemia. Her loving family was by her side. She had just turned 66 years old.

Martha was the beloved wife of 45 years to Ron Melk, a life-long resident of Bucks County.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Macaluso and Sylvia Katz. Her sister Joanna passed away at the age of five from leukemia.

Martha received her degree in English from Temple University in 1969. She worked in personal lines insurance for nearly 30 years at Johnson, Kendall and Johnson in Newtown, PA. Most recently, she worked at Capital Health System in Hopewell, NJ. She was also an active supporter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Martha had a passion for books, music, the arts, and her community. She also loved taking yoga classes at Traditions at Washington Crossing, where she lived for the past 13 years.

In addition to her husband, Ron, Martha is survived by her daughter Jessica and her husband Steven Kuiken of Los Angeles, CA, and her half-sister, Alexandra “Alexa” Macaluso. She is also survived by her extended family and dear friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family from 10:30 AM Sunday, June 8th, 2014 until her funeral service at 12:30 PM at the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 800 Newtown Richboro Rd. (at Holland Rd.).

Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Feasterville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 555 North Lane , Suite 5010 Conshohocken, PA. 19428.