Geraldine Grace Benser

Gigi was born in Royal Oak, MI to Gerald and Lillian Findlay on July 5,1939. Her family relocated to Grand Rapids where she attended Ottawa High School.

Gigi did administrative work for Burkholder Chevrolet in Grand Rapids where she met Robert Benser and later married on June 26, 1963. Together they had four children, seven grandchildren, one great grandchild and a lifetime of mutual support, love and friendship.

Gigi and Bob worked on Mackinac Island in the summer and spent their winters working in Grand Rapids, then Coral Springs, FL, and eventually settling in Bob’s hometown of Gaylord, Michigan. While Bob was pursuing business aspirations on Mackinac Island, Gigi was busy being the strong backbone of a young family. She packed dogs, cats and kids to the island for the summer and then back for school in the fall. She had a love for animals and allowed her kids a childhood full of stray dogs and cats, ponies, hamsters, horses, turtles and even ducks. Gigi continued her love of animals throughout her life supporting the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and the Naples Zoo.

Gigi was responsible for the hiring and accounting of their business ventures on Mackinac. On Tuesdays she did payroll for the Original Murdick’s Fudge and Tastee Freeze. She would send one of her kids peddling to Tastee Freeze to fetch her weekly lunch of a cheeseburger, fries, and a chocolate shake. Her fondness for chocolate and fudge never wavered.

Gigi loved Mackinac Island and worked tirelessly for events that were dear to her. She enjoyed working on the planning of the Lilac Festival, Daisy Days, Mackinac Island Horse Show, and most proudly, the restoration of the Round Island Lighthouse.

In the summer, Gigi loved to host island and Gaylord friends to their annual backyard pig roasts and Bocce Ball Tournaments. She loved to entertain and share their island home with friends. At the end of the busy season, Gigi and Bob would host a big employee party in their backyard. They would close the stores and show their appreciation with steaks and spirits.

As her children grew older, Gigi became actively involved with the Gaylord Boosters. She was instrumental in creating one of the largest fundraisers for Gaylord Athletics. Gigi supported her kids in all of their interests. She drove them all over the state for summer sports camps and never missed their games. She continued that same spirit supporting her grandchildren at soccer games, dance recitals, swim meets and football games.

Gigi loved planning family vacations and exposing her kids to travel destinations throughout the country. She found pleasure in giving meaningful experiences and gifts. She delighted in decorating her Manatee mailbox and dressing up with a blinking light or two for every holiday.

Later, Gigi spent her summers in Traverse City and eventually moved to metro Detroit to be closer to her kids and grandchildren.

Throughout Gigi’s life she demonstrated grit, grace, strength, style and resolve. She loved friends, dancing, travel, golf, boating, flowers, the piano, and walks on the beach. Above all, Gigi was a devoted and loving mom, grandmother and great grandmother. She always put her kids first and supported them through their lives. She spent quality time with her grandchildren taking them to the zoo, playing in the pool, walking to the park and getting ice cream.

Gigi is preceded in death by her parents Gerald and Lillian, her sister Marilyn Talbott, and her former husband Robert J. Benser.

Gigi is survived by Leslie (Don) Luciani, Bob Benser, Heidi Benser, Amy (Ryan) Irish, Michael (Allie) Luciani, John Luciani, Tyler Benser, Joey Luciani, Gracie Irish, Ellie Irish, Ava Irish, nephew Tim (Christie) Talbott and her great granddaughter Samantha Luciani.

A celebration of life will be held this summer on Mackinac Island.

In lieu of flowers, donations will support Gracie's Fund - 316281 at the University of Michigan. Please include “in memory of GiGi Benser” in the memo line of the check or in an attached note. Checks may be made payable to “University of Michigan” and sent to 777 E. Eisenhower Pkwy., Suite 650, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.

Giving link: https://victors.us/gigibenser

Conservancy of Southwest Florida: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/adaptive-donor-form/formId=6c2607c9-b2cc-48ab-a81a-2db1532bf05c&envid=p-8x7g8vnAE-QALgbq8dMCw&zone=usa