H. Marie Benjamin

She was born to William and Mary Reynolds in Bethel, CT on June 28,1926, and welcomed home by her older siblings, Bill and Betty.

As a young girl, she helped her father grow the vegetables they sold at their roadside stand. She relished the novelty and adventure of spending every summer on the banks of the Housatonic River.

Marie began piano lessons in grade school. Because her family couldn’t afford to own a piano, she practiced at home on a cardboard keyboard crafted by her teacher. By the 6th grade she was given the honor of playing for morning announcements, school assemblies, and afternoon dismissal.

After graduating from Bethel High School, she honed her administrative skills and began working as a teller at Danbury Savings and Loan. She first set eyes on her future husband when he providentially stepped up to her window to make a deposit. After a courtship that included weekly square dances, boating on Candlewood Lake, and rides in the country, Marie and Dick were married at the Congregational Church in Bethel, CT on April 23, 1949.

Marie and Dick raised their son, Rick, in a traditional Cape Cod style home, built by family members, in West Redding. She relished her favorite role as wife and mother, but eventually returned to work, (driving her 1966 Mustang!), as a library assistant at John Reed Middle School. When Dick assumed control of the family business, Colonial Realty of Ridgefield, she became its full-time office manager.

In 1994, finally tired of the cold and snowy winters, they retired to Jensen Beach, Florida. Marie acclimated well to their new life. She joined the choir and Priscilla Circle at Trinity United Methodist Church. Every morning began with reading her daily devotional in the Upper Room, followed by finishing the Palm Beach Post crossword puzzle (which enabled her to often best all Scrabble opponents) before joining their friends at McDonald’s for senior coffee and conversation. She continued cultivating her African Violets, completing 2000-piece jigsaw puzzles, and reading every book written by her favorite author, Nora Roberts. But she was happiest when family came to visit. She was a devoted Mom, the role model for mothers-in-law everywhere, pampered her grandchildren and their spouses, and completely indulged her great- grandchildren.

Marie had her ears pierced in her 60’s, started enjoying cruises to the Caribbean in her 70’s, and in her 80’s took her musical talents on the road to sing and play at local nursing homes.

When Marie’s husband died in 2019, she relocated to Asbury Health and Rehabilitation in Charlotte to be close to her family. Although she was wheelchair bound, the compassionate and caring staff helped her enjoy life enrichment activities, Wednesday chapel, Sunday worship

and communal meals with other residents.

She will be greatly missed by her family: son, Richard W. (Kathleen) Benjamin of Matthews, NC; grandchildren, Kelly (Adam) Lundgren. Kyle (Amy) Benjamin; Ryan (Melia Davis) Benjamin and great grandchildren. Chloe, Ben, Austin, Tyler, Blake and Emerson.

A Celebration of Life will be held April 26 at 11:30AM at Matthews United Methodist Church, Matthews NC. Interment will follow, May 2, 2023 11:00AM at Bushnell National Cemetery, FL.

The family has requested, in lieu of flowers, that memorial contributions be made to Hospice & Palliative Care - Charlotte Region.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McEwen Funeral Service - Mint Hill Chapel, Mint Hill, NC.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.