Margaret Helen Bennett

Born Margaret Helen Collins in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 11, 1929, Marge was the second of four children. She grew up in Parma, Ohio, during the Great Depression with her brothers Jim and Bob and sister Eileen. She had warm memories of childhood play, exploring the woods beyond her back door, and walking to her elementary school. She remembers fondly the manager of a nearby golf course, who let her family pick apples from his trees in the evening after the golfers had gone home. Her mom turned this free crop into pies, applesauce and apple kuchen.

At 18, Marge entered the convent of the Sisters of Notre Dame, where she became Sister Phoebe. She taught chemistry and physics in the Sisters of Notre Dame high school and at Notre Dame College. With other sisters, she created an inner-city homework club that served neighborhood children and parents.

Dispensed from her religious vows, she joined nine other former sisters to form an experimental religious community in Pueblo, Colorado. The women eventually went in different directions, but they shared a close bond all their lives.

At a party with friends in Colorado, Marge ran into Fred Bennett whom she remembered from high school. Fred, a former priest, and Marge were married in 1972. He was the love of her life.

Together, they were active in the arts and humanities, enjoyed spending time with their large families, and traveled widely. As an 80th birthday present to themselves, they traveled around the world in 80 days.

Marge received her PhD in chemistry from the University of Denver and became a professor. After she and Fred moved to Florida, she worked as a chemist for the Florida Citrus Growers Association. She enjoyed having her own small grove of orange trees for research.

Marge had always been drawn to art but had never studied it. One day, she signed up for two college art classes in Florida. An artist was born.

Marge became a painter, working primarily in watercolor and acrylics. She once said of her works: “My art reflects my search for serenity and beauty. My heart wants color and light, my head requires balance and design.”

Marge’s paintings received frequent awards and recognition. Her work is included in collections throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Marge was well known and loved in the arts community in Sarasota, Florida. She operated her own gallery in the Towles Court Art Center in Sarasota and later was shown at the Elizabeth Stevens Gallery at Towles Court.

She was active in a number of arts organizations, including the Florida Watercolor Society, Women Contemporary Artists and the National League of Pen Women. She was also active in a local theater group.

Marge was preceded in death by Fred, her beloved husband of 44 years, as well as her parents, Angela M. Collins and James F. Collins, and her siblings and their spouses, James and Eileen Collins, Robert and Anna Collins, and Eileen and William Lhotta.

She is survived by many close friends and a passel of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, who count themselves blessed to have such a kind, creative and beautiful aunt.