Ann Louise Benolken

Ann Benolken, born on October 8, 1959, in St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on July 19, 2026 in Austin, Texas. Ann helped raise her five younger siblings first in Minnesota and then in Tomball, Texas before heading off to the University of Texas. She earned a Plan II Honors degree and a Juris Doctor, though the friends she made along the way mattered much more to her than the diplomas. As an RA in Blanton Hall, she was known for curing homesickness and staying up all night to help the girls write their papers.

She also met the love of her life, Mark Engeling, at UT. They got married in 1989 and raised two sons, Alec and Michael, who became the center of her heart. Ann loved cheering on all three boys' basketball teams and watching football games with them even though she stopped liking football after having the kids because she didn't like seeing someone's baby getting hit. She cheered not for the score but for the sound of her boys celebrating and bonding together.

Ann had a successful four-decade legal career, but success never changed her. If you asked her about a big deal she closed, the only thing she would laughingly tell you is that she noticed she was wearing one black shoe and one blue shoe on the elevator ride to the meeting. Ann generously mentored young women throughout her life, and she helped vulnerable women and children through many years of service on the SAFE and CASA boards. She worked tirelessly to provide for her whole family, friends, and the causes she cared about yet somehow never missed a game or classroom party, and she always volunteered to bring great snacks.

Ann ran what amounted to a free five-star restaurant out of her kitchen, specializing in mountain-sized batches of chicken tenders for her sons' perpetually hungry friends. She adored her golden retrievers and loved watching how they brightened everyone's day on the Austin trails. She had a soft spot for comfy clothes, cozy blankets, mini desserts, and nice hotels.

Ann relished her roles as mom, aunt, and yaya, and she spoiled all of those kids - along with plenty who weren't related to her - with countless toys, libraries full of books, and closets full of clothes. You had to shop carefully with Ann. If you said you liked something, it would show up on your doorstep the next day.

Ann was preceded in death by her father, Bob Benolken. She is survived by her husband, Mark Engeling; her sons, Alec Engeling (Jasmine) and Michael Engeling; her treasured granddaughters, Ellie Ann and June; her mother, Lucretia Benolken; her siblings, Gretchen Maugans (Pete), Eric Benolken, Martha Bieker (Steve), Sara Benolken, and Edith Foteff (Mike); and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Please join us in a casual celebration of Ann's life and legacy on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 2:00 PM at The SAFE Alliance, Building B, 4800 Manor Road, Austin. Ann loved her desserts, so we will enjoy Amy's Ice Cream and other desserts in her honor.

In lieu of flowers, for those who are able, donations to the Ann Benolken Engeling Legacy Fund at SAFE or to CASA of Travis County are welcome.