It is with great sadness that the family of Josephine “Jo” Benson, age 95 of Rainycrest Long Term Care, and lifelong resident of the Rainy River District, announce her peaceful passing, on Sunday, February 27, 2011, with family by her side.
Jo was born October 4, 1915, in Pinewood, Ontario to the late Alfred and Clara Brown. She attended and graduated with her Teachers Degree from North Bay Normal School. Her early teaching began in a one room school North of Stratton, Ontario, and later for the Rainy River School Board. On August 17, 1946, she was united in marriage to William Campbell “Cam” Benson. Following their marriage, Jo took time out from teaching to start her family. She later returned to teaching, which she loved, until her retirement in 1978. She was a Member of Knox United Church, Life Member of the Rainycrest Auxiliary, and a Member of the Eastern Star. Jo volunteered her time passionately and tirelessly throughout her life, serving with many worthy organizations and charities over the years. Her family always remained the most important part of her life.
She was predeceased by her husband, William Campbell “Cam” Benson and two brothers-in-law.
Jo is survived by her two daughters, Wendy and husband Jim Murphy of Thunder Bay, ON., and Patty Ritchey of Burnaby, B.C.; son, Rick Benson and wife Lynda of Simcoe, ON.; grandchildren, Ryan Murphy and wife Jessica, Kim and husband Dan Radul, Jeremy Davis, Joshua Ritchey, Kyle Benson and wife Liliya, Ashley and husband Tom Compoli, Meagan Benson, Brett Benson and Brendan Benson; three great grandchildren: Keaton and Carmella Compoli and Asher Benson.
She is also survived by one brother, Gerald Brown and wife Merv of Fort Frances, ON.; two sisters, Marge Croome of Atikokan, ON., and Ruby Duns of Caledonia, ON.; and many nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place. A graveside service to celebrate Jo’s life will be on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 12 p.m. at Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances, Ontario with Randy DeGagne officiating.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to their charity of choice, in c/o Green Funeral Home, Box 427, Fort Frances, Ontario, P9A 3M8.
She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.
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