Martha L Stackel

Martha L. Stackel died the evening of August 2, 2024; she was 74 years old. The strife is o’er, the battle done.

Martha was born on May 2, 1950, in Pittsburgh, Pa., to the late Rev. Dr. Robert W. Stackel and Virginia G. Stackel. She graduated magna cum laude from Wittenberg University (Springfield, Ohio). She then completed graduate course work in Asian Art History at the University of Michigan and earned her master’s degree in Librarianship from Emory University. 

Martha enjoyed a long and satisfying career in technical services in libraries, including libraries at The Pennsylvania State University, Johnson City Public Library (TN), and the College of Charleston. Martha mentored many librarians and staff during her career, and she found this work particularly rewarding.

Martha was a walker, an avid bird watcher, a hand weaver, a practitioner of Tai Chi, a keen observer of nature, a voracious reader, a very good cook and baker, and an expert gardener. Her extensive, exuberant, meticulous flower beds and landscaping were a joy to her and to anyone who passed by. Something was blooming year-round. Martha enjoyed many styles of music, from Handel to Warren Zevon, and she enjoyed singing, whether in the Wittenberg Choir, in church, or to her grandchildren. She also enjoyed attending operatic performances.

Martha was a life-long Lutheran and a decades-long member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, where she served on the Altar Guild, including a term as director. She was also a member of the women’s Circle 8. 

Martha was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, and friend. She brought laughter to every gathering of family and friends; she took great joy in each day as her horizon narrowed. She was a woman of faith, honor, courage, and love.

In addition to her father Martha was predeceased by her infant brother David Frederick. She is survived by her beloved daughter Meghan M. Lessans (Jonathan) and her two cherished grandchildren Holden and Easton. She is survived by her mother and her brothers John R. Stackel (Chris) and Andrew W. Stackel along with her former husband Arthur A. Felts. She is also survived by her two nieces Katherine Haneef (Omar) and their three children and Elizabeth Stackel. 

The family wishes to thank Martha’s friends and neighbors and the members of St. Matthew’s, especially the women of Circle 8 and Team Martha, for their loving care and support. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Elizabeth Christian and Dr. Shand, Lisa Smith, and Heather Cheek along with the infusion nurses and staff at Charleston Oncology.

Martha's Celebration of the Life will be held Monday, August 26, 2024, in St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, at 11:00 am. A reception in Parish Hall will follow after the service. 

In lieu of flowers please donate to St Matthew’s Lutheran Church or to a charity of one’s choice

The song of triumph has begun. Alleluia.