Lenore Benjamin

Lenore Benjamin (nee Gilbert), a beloved educator, mentor, and cherished family member, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025, at the age of 88. Born in Cleveland Heights on November 18, 1936 to the late Jack and Francis Gilbert (nee Brick), Lenore’s life was one of deep dedication to family, education, and community. She was also preceded in death by her former husband and friend, Larry Benjamin.

Lenore is survived by her children, Arthur Benjamin (Deena), Stephen Benjamin, and Mara Naiditch (David), as well as her beloved grandchildren, Laurel, Ariel, Ava, Eliza, Hannah, Jordan, Brooke, and Austin, who brought her boundless pride and joy. She was the devoted sister of Sandra Neundorfer (Bill) and a cherished aunt to Jodie Turosky (Paul), Tammy Zlotnik (deceased), Mitchell Zlotnik (Amy), Richard Benjamin (Maggie), and Jennifer Zgurich (Michael), as well as a great aunt and surrogate aunt/mother to many. Lenore’s impact extended far beyond her immediate family, and she was beloved by a wide circle of friends and extended family.

A proud graduate of Cleveland Heights High School, Lenore went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Western Reserve University and a Master’s degree in Special Education from Kent State University. Her passion for teaching led her to a distinguished career that spanned several decades, beginning with her role as a French teacher at Patrick Henry Middle School. Lenore then spent 36 years at Bellefaire JCB and Cleveland Heights High School, where she made an indelible mark on the lives of students with emotional and mental challenges. Her compassion, expertise, and unwavering dedication helped many students find their voice and realize their potential.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Lenore founded Project Support, a club that raised disability awareness among the student population, as well as Heights High Work Study program, where she taught interviewing and job skills to students who did not plan to attend college. This program, which benefited hundreds of adolescents and employers, was a testament to her forward-thinking approach to preparing students for life beyond high school. Lenore retired in 1999 but soon turned her love of reading into a successful business, selling used and rare books, games, and toys for over 20 years.

Lenore’s warmth, wisdom, and generosity of spirit will be remembered by all who knew her. Special thanks are extended to Nancy Benjamin, Sandi and Ron Lederman, Amy and Mitchell Zlotnik, Karen Zoller, Fred and Barb Snyder, Judy Benjamin, and the staff at Anna Maria of Aurora for their tireless love, care, and expertise over the past year.

A funeral service will be held at 1 pm on Friday, January 24 at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel at 1985 S. Taylor Road in Cleveland Heights. Burial will follow at Mount Olive Cemetery. To view this service, please navigate to the Services Section below and click on “JOIN LIVESTREAM”. Shiva will be observed from 3 to 8 p.m. January 24 and noon to 4 p.m. January 25 at the home of Mitchell and Amy Zlotnik at 7380 Royal Portrush Dr. in Solon (Enter Signature of Solon off Aurora Rd.).

Lenore Benjamin’s life was a beacon of love, learning, and service, and her legacy will continue to inspire all those whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cuyahoga County Public Library Foundation at ccplfoundation.org/donate in her memory.