Judith Marie Benton

Judith Marie Benton passed away, in the comfort of her own home, on October 28, 2015. She was a loving mother, doting grandmother, compassionate sister, and loyal friend. She was born on July 24, 1940, in Waukegan, Illinois, to the late Laurence and Margaret Schardt.

Judith graduated from Holy Child High School in 1958 and continued her education at St. Therese School of Nursing. She finished her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at UCCS and a second Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Metro State in 1978. While working part-time as a nurse and raising three children, she pressed on with her education and graduated from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center with a Masters in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing in 1980. She touched the lives of so many people in town through her private practice in psychotherapy, which she continued until her death.

Learning new things kept her mind sharp and body energized. She was a thirty year participant in her beloved book club, a movie and opera lover, and a piano and bridge player. Her annual vacations to the Sante Fe Opera and Telluride Film Festival highlighted her year. Her neighborhood walks and hikes in the mountains enriched her daily life.

She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren going to piano recitals, concerts, vacations, hiking, celebrating birthdays and holidays, and sporting events. She made her children feel special, adored and loved. Judith’s spirit lives on in joy, peace, love, and kindness.

She leaves behind her three children, Megan (Kerry) Paterson of Corvallis Oregon, William (Sharon) Valentine of Colorado Springs, and Faith (Bill) Leonard of Colorado Springs; eight grandchildren, Liam, Brigit, Will, Lily, Shane, Collin, Ryan, and Brendan; siblings Dick, Denny, Michael, Gail, and Julie.

A Celebration of Life service will take place on Saturday, November 7th, 2015, at 2pm at the First Congregational Church, 20 E St. Vrain Street, Colorado Springs.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in honor of Judith Benton to the Springs Rescue Mission, 5 W Las Vegas St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903.