Martha Dawn Bengel's Obituary
Martha Dawn Bengel (formerly Stalker), born July 28, 1953, in Pensacola, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was 71 years old.
Martha was the cherished daughter of Marjorie and Quentin Stalker, and the beloved sister of Melody, Greg (Annamaria), and the late Kristi, whose reunion with Martha on the other side brings her family great comfort.
She is survived by her daughter, Kate Shelton (Marcus), and her adored granddaughter Hendrix; her son, Quentin Bengel (Amy), and their three children, Tyler, Aubrey, and Sawyer; each of whom brought her immeasurable joy. Being their Nana wasn’t just her favorite role in life, it was the one she longed for more than anything. She stepped into it with her whole heart, creating a world where each grandchild felt uniquely loved, seen, and cherished. Whether it was a silly nickname, a favorite snack, or the way she lit up just walking into the room, they knew they were her everything. Her pride in being their Nana was woven into every conversation, every story, and every smile.
She also leaves behind her nieces and nephews Gregory (Amanda) and Ryan (AnnaKate); her lifelong best friend of 71 years, Dale (Aaron); and a legacy of love that will live on through every person she touched.
Martha’s strength and grace never wavered, even in the face of illness. She faced each day with courage, humor, and a deep love for her family. She passed as she lived, on her own terms, peacefully and surrounded by love.
Her spirit lingers in the little things, in the sound of laughter echoing through the house, in the smell of something sweet baking in the oven, and in the delicate flutter of a hummingbird’s wings. Each one feels like a quiet whisper from her soul, reminding us she’s still here, just in a different way.
In keeping with her wishes, Martha was cremated and requested that no formal services be held. True to her independent spirit, she made it clear she didn’t want a fuss, but in her honor, we choose to celebrate and remember her in the quiet, everyday moments: in the stories we tell, the meals we cook, the songs we sing, and the way we show up for one another.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Martha’s name to The ARC, a national organization supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome, a cause deeply close to Martha’s heart. https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E341831&id=3
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