Margarete (Sehmisch) Bessman passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after an accident in her home. Born in Berlin, Germany, she came to the United States after marrying her late husband Bill of 63 years. Affectionally known as "Oma,"

Margarete absolutely adored her family, here in the US, and back in Germany. Margarete worked as a nurse in Germany, and even though she never used her nursing skills in the US, she believed in healthy living in body and spirit. She will be so missed!!

Margarete is survived by:

Daughter Barbara Bennett, of Gansevoort, NY, and her husband Jeff. Their children: Holly Hastings and her husband Jordon, Steve Bennett and his fiancé Noelle.

Daughter Nancy Werteen, of Bethlehem, PA, her husband Michael. Their children: Marleesa Werteen and her fiancé, Michael Monte and their youngest daughter, Grace Werteen.

She is predeceased by her son, Michael Robert Bessman.

In Germany, her late brothers, Dieter and Klaus and their wives, Sabina and Dorethea, sister Uschi, her husband Manfried. Also, numerous nieces, nephews and their children.

Services are Saturday, January 10th at 11:00am in Crest Hall at Luther Crest, 800 Hausman Road in Allentown. To get there, Take Hausman Road north from Tilghman street. Turn left on Southgate Court. At the stop sign, turn right on to Luther Crest Drive. Continue straight and follow signs for Community Center. Turn left into the main entrance and Crest Hall is just inside of the building on the left.

The family would like to thank their extended family, friends and the Luther Crest community and staff as well as Lehigh Valley Health Network Hospice for their kindness, love and support.

Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus is handling arrangements.