Martha Louise Bockelman

Martha Louise Bockelman, a beacon of love and joy, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina, at the age of 90. Born on January 4, 1935, in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, Martha's life was a tapestry of vibrant experiences and enduring relationships. She was the cherished daughter of the late James and Ione Munnis, the devoted wife of the late Lorenz Bockelman, and the loving mother of her children, who carry her legacy forward.

Martha's journey through life was marked by her outgoing, friendly, and fun personality, traits that endeared her to everyone she met. Her passion for sports was evident in her avid participation in tennis while living in Florida, and later, her enthusiasm for pickleball after moving to Wake Forest in 2013, following the passing of her beloved Larry in Ormond Beach. Martha's zest for life was matched by her professional versatility, having held many jobs as she moved across the country. From Pittsburgh to Florida and North Carolina, she embraced each new chapter with grace and determination.

Among her many roles, Martha's favorites included working at the PGA TOUR in Sawgrass and witnessing the awe-inspiring shuttle launches at the Kennedy Space Center. Living on the riverbank across from the space center, she often said that the view of the Vehicle Assembly Building and launch pads from her front yard was her favorite of all the places she had lived. It was there that she felt a profound connection to the wonders of exploration and discovery.

Martha's love for her family was the cornerstone of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her son David Eyrolles, her grandson Jason Eyrolles, her sister Pat Redmond, and her brother James Munnis. Her spirit is carried on by her children, Robert Eyrolles and his wife Char, and Dale Eyrolles and his wife Lisa; her grandchildren, Emily Sobeck and her husband Jason, Kristen Santa and her husband Joe, and Kraig Eyrolles; as well as her great-grandchildren, Adam, Levi, Aria, Tensley, Summer, Memphis, Noah, Charlie, and Crew.

Martha's legacy also includes her love for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins, her joy in reading, and the countless family vacations and cruises that brought so much happiness to her and her loved ones. Annual family gatherings at a beach house in North Topsail and trips to Pittsburgh were cherished traditions that will be fondly remembered by all who were part of them.

Martha's weekly breakfasts at the Border Restaurant in Wake Forest were a testament to her love of community and connection. Her presence there will be deeply missed by friends and family alike. As a loving, kind, and thoughtful soul, Martha's memory will be treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

As we bid farewell to Martha Louise Bockelman, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of love, laughter, and the enduring warmth of a woman who was truly one of a kind. Her impact on the world was as profound as it was gentle, and she will be missed by all who were touched by her remarkable spirit.