Sandra Dennison Menge

Sandy Menge, 82, homemaker, teacher, and community leader, passed away on February 24, 2021 in Jacksonville, FL.

Sandy was the daughter of Barbara Edes Dennison Wentworth and Den Dennison and was born and raised on Orlando, FL. She raised livestock and was a regional leader of 4H in high school, and then attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. At UF, Sandy was the President and Secretary of the Women's Student Association, was honored by Trianon (Mortar Board), and was an active member of her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega. In 1960, Sandy obtained a degree in Education, was the Outstanding Female Graduate from UF and was honored as a member of the University of Florida Hall of Fame. Sandy met the love of her life, M.J. Menge, in Gainesville and they were married following graduation in June, 1960. After living in Key West during M.J.'s service as a Naval Officer, Sandy moved to M.J.'s hometown of Pensacola, which she quickly adopted as her beloved home. Sandy and M.J. served as youth leaders at Trinity Presbyterian Church and as mentors for young people in a variety of organizations before starting their own family.

A dedicated elementary school teacher, Sandy taught for seven years before focusing on raising her children, Vivian and Randy. Sandy contributed countless hours as a leader and volunteer in Pensacola, serving as the President of the Pensacola Junior League and being active in Trinity Presbyterian Church, Fiesta of Five Flags, the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Society, and assisting M.J. in welcoming the incoming Naval leaders and their families to Pensacola following changes of command at NAS Pensacola. Passionate about education, Sandy obtained her Master's Degree in Education from the University of West Florida and enjoyed the study of Great Books and the scriptures through book clubs with her circle of friends. Sandy devoted herself to supporting her husband M.J., their children and grandchildren, and found joy in serving her family, friends and community. Her kindness and compassion have positively impacted many people over her 82 years, and we will all dearly miss her sweet smile and welcoming personality.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, M.J. Menge, and her son Randall Ellison Menge.

She is survived by her daughter, Vivian Menge Gallo and her husband, John Gallo, of Jacksonville; her grandsons Jackson and Patrick Gallo, Jacksonville; her brother, Denny Dennison and his wife Cookie, of Lake Charles, LA; her brother-in-law Frank Menge and his wife Jewell of Panama City; her nephews Josh Menge of Florala, AL, John Menge of Tallahassee; Greg Kainz of Orlando; Jeff Kainz of Melbourne; Bradley Dennison of Houston, TX; Amy Johnson of Pasadena, CA; Jace Johnson of New Orleans, LA; Beth Wolf of Nashville, TN; and her and M.J.'s closest friends, Ed and Ginger Moore, Pensacola.

Sandy was laid to rest next to M.J. in a private graveside service on March 6, 2021.

Donations in honor of Sandy may be made to the Pensacola State College's Foundation for the M.J. Menge Memorial Scholarship.

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