MARTHA BOWERS STOCKHAUSEN's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Martha Bowers Stockhausen April 1, 1929 – October 20, 2025 South Miami, Florida Our mom was one of the most amazing and beautiful women we have ever known. She passed away peacefully in her home on October 20, 2025, at the age of 96, surrounded by her family. Martha was born in Steubenville, Ohio, on April 1, 1929, to Florence and Arthur Bowers. As a young teenager, she moved with her family to Miami. She graduated from Gesu High School, where she met the love of her life, Frederick (“Sonny”) Stockhausen, whom she married in 1950. They shared 70 wonderful years together before his passing six years ago. Martha was the proud mother of ten children—nine boys and one girl—and she raised us to be a big, close-knit family. She endured the heartbreaking loss of four sons—Frederick, John, Stephen, and Charles—yet remained strong, faithful, and full of grace. She is survived by her daughter Jane Nelson (Bruce), sons Edward (Nancy), Peter (Judith), Neal (Wendy), Paul, and Kevin. She adored her 18 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. Mom never forgot a birthday and loved sending cards; she also created cherished Christmas ornaments and baby blankets for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mom was incredibly smart—well into her nineties, she could finish a novel in just a few days. She was an artist from a young age, gifted in cross-stitch and needlepoint. Later she began designing her own freestyle pieces featuring birds and animals. She was a founding member of the Biscayne Chapter of the Embroidery Guild, and her creativity brought joy to many. She loved music and always had a song for every word and every occasion. Singing in church was one of her greatest joys, and many people told her how beautiful her voice was. She also had a wonderful sense of humor—witty, sharp, and just a little bit sarcastic, especially when meeting someone new. Mom believed deeply in staying active and giving back. She was devoted to her church and spent many years volunteering at the Church of the Little Flower, St. Theresa Catholic School, and Christopher Columbus High School. She enjoyed being part of the Historical Society and gladly gave her time to many organizations throughout her life. Faith was at the heart of who she was. A devoted Catholic, she attended Mass every Sunday and always stayed afterward to talk with her friends. She prayed the rosary daily, lifting each of her children in prayer. She believed that if she couldn’t watch over us, God surely would. Mom was strong—in body, mind, and spirit. She loved life, and she was loved by all who knew her. Her kindness, humor, and resilience touched countless lives. Her light shone brightly, and her legacy of love will live on in her family and friends. We miss you, Mom. We love you. We know you are having a wonderful time in heaven, reunited with our family. Services: A gathering will be held Thursday, November 13, from 7–9 p.m. at Van Orsdel Coral Gables, 4600 SW 8th Street, Coral Gables, FL.
Funeral services will take place Friday, November 14, at 10:30 a.m. at The Church of the Little Flower, 2711 Indian Mound Trail, Coral Gables, FL, followed by inurnment at Woodlawn Park South, 11655 SW 117th Ave, Miami, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Church of the Little Flower or Christopher Columbus High School in her name. https://www.columbushs.com/alumni2/give -choose the BK Adelante Fund or https://www.osvhub.com/cotlf/giving/funds - choose the Centennial Campaign Fund
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