Jan C. Benjamin passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026. As a youngster, Jan was a ballet dancer, thespian and cheerleader. Jan had a brilliant mind and finished second in her graduating class at Isidore Newman School and graduated cum laude from Stanford University (with a year at Sorbonne University). She also was a graduate of Tulane Law School. Following a federal judicial clerkship, Jan worked for a prominent national law firm in Washington, D.C. She also spent many years after Hurricane Katrina in Charleston, where she enjoyed many of the qualities of the city that reminded her of New Orleans.
A private person who redefined resilience, Jan was fiercely independent and vigorously challenged those who thought otherwise. A lady who reveled in the finer things in life, Jan really enjoyed traveling. Jan was exuberant and overjoyed with last year’s climb of steps at the Eiffel Tower and her special time touring museums in the area with Jennifer and Emma. More than anything, Jan deeply loved her family and closest friends.
Jan was preceded in death by her mother, Emily Stein Benjamin, and her father, Jack C. Benjamin, Sr. She is survived by her brother, Jack C. Benjamin, Jr. (Jennifer), her niece, Emma Stotter Benjamin, and her nephew, Jack C. Benjamin, III. She cherished her uncle, Joseph Stein, Jr. (Joanne), with whom she spoke (at least) daily, and she felt quite close to her cousins, Ann Liberman (Mitch), Jeffrey Stein (Tara), and Andrew Stein (Rebecca). She was thrilled to have a recent visit with Margaret Murray Sullivan and was especially grateful for the kindness demonstrated by Marion W. Weinstock and the thoughtfulness of CiCi P. Lemann and Ellen S. Williams. When you enjoy bubbles, (good) dark chocolate and lump crabmeat (with extra lemon), think of Jan and smile.
A private graveside service was held for the family.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Jan C. Benjamin are encouraged to contribute to the “Jack C. Benjamin Scholarship Fund” c/o Tulane University Law School, Office of Advancement, P.O. Box 669394, Dallas, TX 75266; the Friendship Fund at the Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana One Galleria Blvd, Suite 1040, Metairie, LA 70001, the Metropolitan Crime Commission, 1615 Poydras Street, Suite 1060, New Orleans, LA 70112; Temple Sinai, 6227 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118, or a charity of your choice.
To view and sign the online guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com
