Martha Alwes

Martha Lafferty Alwes, born on June 29, 1945, in Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away on June 16th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, music, service, and grace that enriched countless lives.

Martha is survived by her three children: Chris Alwes (Heather Davenport) of Clinton, IL, Jon Alwes (Sandy) of Ogden, IL, and Ben Alwes of Chicago, IL, as well as her former husband, Chester Alwes. Also surviving are her two grandchildren: Sullivan Alwes of Bloomington, IL, and Canyon Alwes of Ogden, IL. Her beloved sister, Colleen Lafferty Clark, of Delaware, and countless nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman Durward Lafferty and Barbara Nell Arnold-Lafferty, as well as her four brothers: Kenneth, Lynn, Michael, and Patrick Lafferty.

Martha graduated from Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee, earning degrees in music and organ performance. Her love of sacred music led her to pursue and receive a Master of Sacred Music in Organ and Choral Conducting from Union Theological Seminary in New York, New York. 

Throughout her life, Martha used her gifts to uplift others. Martha served as an organist and choir director for numerous church congregations in Champaign, Illinois, where her musical talents brought inspiration and beauty to worship services. Outside of the sanctuary, she served as an office manager in several departments across the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and as managing and technical editor for the Journal of the Association for the Severely Handicapped. Additionally, she served as an editorial writer, managing editor, and technical editor for the Council for Research in Music Education at the University of Illinois.

In 1993, Martha became the music director of Sinai Temple in Champaign, Illinois. During her more than 25 years of service, she played a central role in enhancing the worship experience, helping to shepherd a transformation in musical styles through the Synagogue 3000 program. Her enormous talent, kindness, and grace left a lasting imprint on the spirit and community of the temple. In honor of her remarkable contributions, the City of Champaign proclaimed May 19, 2023, as Martha Lafferty Alwes Day, recognizing her lifelong dedication to music, education, and service.

Above all else, Martha’s greatest devotion was to her family. She cherished her role as a mother and grandmother, and her love for her boys and grandchildren was the true center of her world. She nurtured, supported, and celebrated them with every fiber of her being. Her warmth, laughter, and presence are the foundation of countless cherished memories.

Martha will be remembered not only for her professional accomplishments, but mostly for her deep love of family, her unwavering kindness, and the joy she brought into the lives of those around her. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and community forever.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2025, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Champaign, Illinois, with the funeral service immediately following. A meal will be served at 5:15 p.m. in the church’s Fellowship Hall for all that wish to attend. Those wishing to remember Martha are invited to make memorial donations in her name to Grace Lutheran Church or Sinai Temple.

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