Death Notice

Jeanne Marie Benson

June 30, 1927 - February 07, 2013

Jeanne Marie Benson, of Beverly Hills, died peacefully at home February 7, 2013, surrounded by her family. She was 85 years old. Jeanne was born June 30, 1927, in Detroit, Michigan, the only child of Marie (nee Moynihan) and Dr. Louis J. Bailey. Her grandmother, Maria Griffin Moynihan, came to the United States from County Kerry, Ireland.

Mrs. Benson grew up in Detroit and attended St. Theresa Catholic School, and continued lifelong friendships with her grade school friends. She graduated from St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, as an art major.

In April of 1950, Jeanne married the love of her life, Clifford R. Benson. Jeanne and Cliff had met during summer school at the University of Detroit. The couple honeymooned in Norway, while Cliff finished his college studies at the University of Oslo. In Norway, they made lifelong friends, and twenty years later returned to Norway and brought their five children with them.

Immediately after they married, they welcomed into their home Elisabeth Schulte ("Beep"), who lived with the family for forty years. Mrs. Benson had an amazing life, traveling to every state including Alaska and Hawaii, and to many countries including Norway, Russia, New Zealand, Canada, the Caribbean, and most of Europe with her husband and family.

She was completely involved with the lives of her children and grandchildren, supporting and encouraging them and her many friends in all their endeavors. She celebrated every holiday, feast day and birthday, with art and song, welcoming arms and an open heart.

Mrs. Benson worked as a librarian for many years, first at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic School, and then at Baldwin Public Library in Birmingham, Michigan. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, she is deeply loved and will be sorely missed.

Jeanne was steadfast in living out her faith, sending all of her children to Catholic schools. Together with her husband, Clifford Benson, she was a dedicated member of the Brother Rice and Marian Development Councils.

Jeanne is survived by her children, Maria (Paul) Culley of Texas, Betsy (Randy) Baier of Michigan, Peggy (Eric) Burt of California, Carol (Don Haffner) Benson of Michigan, and Mike (Liz) Benson of Colorado, and six grandchildren: Nicholas and Addie Baier, Carl and Christina Culley, Shannon Burt, and Zoe Benson. She is preceded in death by her husband, Clifford R. Benson, who died Sept. 16, 2011.

Visitation will take place at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Rd. (between 14-15 Mile Rd.), Sunday, February 10, 3-7pm. A rosary will be said at 3pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Name Catholic Church, 630 Harmon, Birmingham, Monday, February 11, 11am. Friends may visit beginning at 10:30am.

Private burial will take place in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield.

Memorials appreciated to Fr. Solanus Casey Center, 1780 Mt. Elliott, Detroit, Michigan 48207, or Baldwin Public Library, 300 W. Merrill, Birmingham, Michigan 48009.

Condolences:

Carol and Don, I am so sorry to hear this news. You were a wonderful daughter, Carol. I know your mother will be deeply missed.

Barby Nixon

Jeanne and I sat side by side at the Baldwin Library for many years. She was the ultimate public servant and I learned a lot from her, both professionally and personally.

Carol Woodard

You are in our thoughts and prayers. I pray you feel God's strength to accept his will. I pray that you feel the support of family and friends.

Paul & Carol Denzinger

Carol: I was so sorry to hear of the death of your mother. I never met her personally, but you often spoke of her in such loving terms. I know she will be greatly missed by you, your family, and all of her friends.

Helga McCann

The picture is great - oh sooo like her - always smiling - no matter what. Iwill sure miss her and deeply appreciate all the time I was able to spend with her and the family. Take care and God Bless. Love and prayers, maureen

Maureen Sullivan

CB - May the memory of your mother comfort you when you need it most. Big hugs to all. - SS

Shelly Weiner

Carol, What a lovely woman your mother was. I remember my years with her at Baldwin with great fondness.

Sarah Ormond

Jeanne made us feel loved. Now she lives with all her loved ones in heaven and certaily will be taking care of her earthly loves until we meet forever. Her smile, humor and warmth will always be remembered. God bless all in her dear family.

Lillian Toll

May GOD'S love help you in this time of loss. Your Mom was "ONE OF A KIND" the very best: DAUGHTER WIFE MOTHER FRIEND We are forever grateful for her presence in our lives and will remember and love her always! Bob and Audrey Janks

Bob, Audrey Janks

Jeanne was a very dear friend during the four years we spent at Saint Mary's College and all the years since then. I know she was missing Cliff, and they will be happy now that they are together again enjoying their eternal reward. Condolences from Cleveland to all of the Benson family.

Carrie Powers Powell

I worked with Jeanne years ago at Baldwin. She was a lovely, lovely person. My sympathy to you.

Tina Smith Entwistle

I'm so sorry to hear about your mother's (and grandmother's) passing. She was such a wonderful, warm and welcoming woman. I well remember her great love for her family, for adventure and for making every holiday - and other days - special. I'm glad I knew her. This is a wonderful photo - capturing her warmth and delight - curious and interested in the world!! I wish you all peace and comfort.

Karen Jordan

I'm saddened by Jeanne's passing. I so enjoyed working with her so many years at Baldwin Library. She was so thoughtful, kind and had a wonderful, gentle sense of humor. She made ever day better by her presence. My thoughts and prayers are with her wonderful family.

Carol Thompson

Carol, I pray for God's peace for you and your family after such a huge loss. Your mother sounds like a wonderful person and I can see that she raised her children well and had many accomplishments.

Karen Stauble

Carol and Don - May the most pleasant memories of wonderful times together sustain you throughout your grieving. And may we all be so blessed to pass so peacefully in the midst of loved ones and such a wonderful daughter.

Ken Bignotti, Darlene Johnson-Bignotti

Mike, Zoe & Liz, We are so sorry to hear of Mrs. Benson's death. Please know that our thoughts, prayers and love are with you all.

JimBo and Julie

Carol, I want you to always remember the many happy times you had with your Mother. Reading about her showed the many possible memories that will never be gone. I learned so much about her in this reading and it also helped me understand why you are such a special person also. May the Lord bless you at this time and always.

Douglas Riddering

Don and Carol, I'm sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers during this difficult time.

Jeff Lambrecht

Dear Carol, I would like to express my sincere condolences on the loss of your wonderful mother. What a warm and loving human being she was...you can see it in her smile. As someone who lost a most dear mother several years ago, I can empathize completely with your loss. We may be older, but I think we will always need our "mommy". May God bless you and your family. Cheryl

Cheryl Neely-McKinney

Len and I wee saddened to learn of Jeannie's passing. We were not close friends, but friends, non the less and had the deepest regard for her...a truly lovely woman, wish there were more like her...Our sympathy, Leonard and Ellen Barnes.

Ellen Barnes

Carol, your mother was always so nice and very helpful. She was good to everyone at Baldwin, patrons and staff. I wish you peace.

Susan LaBelle

Char & Don, Our condolences, hugs and best wishes go out to you on learning of your loss. It is especially difficult losing both parents in such a relatively short time. We know you will take this time to celebrate a life which was as you said "one of a kind". Thanks for sharing. We hope your time with family and close friends is memorable and comforting. God Bless. Doug & Julia

Doug & Julia Coventry

Missy, Betsy, Peggy, Char, and Mike, I am so sad that I can't be there with you at this time to share memories and celebrate your mothers wonderful life. I know how much her family meant to her and am so glad you could all be with her at the end. I will always remember her smile and carry her gentle, loving spirit in my heart.

maripat allen

Carol, I'm so sorry for your family's loss. I'm sure your mother was a great and loving woman. May you find solace in the fact that you spent many years together filled with happiness and love.

Katie Mitchell

Carol: We are so sorry for your loss. You were a caring daughter and we know you spent a lot of time with your mother. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Fred and Betty Ong

Carol and family, My condolences on your loss. Mrs. Benson sounds like she was a fascinating woman.

Michael Bryce

Mike, Liz and Zoe - We are sorry to hear of Jeanne's passing. We offer our condolences, and our thoughts are with you and your family. Bill, Christine and Kiera

Bill McIver

I am sorry to hear this news. A mother and daughter share a special bond. At least, though, she doesn't have to suffer anymore. You should only hear of good news.

Rochelle Ginsburg

Carol & Don, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Your Mom was a wonderful, special lady. I know you will miss her so very much. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Betsy Soderbloom

My heartfelt prayers are with you. God bless.

Maria Moya

Carol and Family: I was deeply sadden to learn of your mother's passing. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Sincerely, Sadie Woodard

Sadie Woodard

Carol and Don, Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.

Carol Johnson

My thoughts are with you and your family.

Joanie Emahiser

Dear Benson Family, You are all in my heart and prayers during this difficult time. Your mother was one of the most influential women in my life! She taught me life lessons that I still hold strong to this day. "May God hold her in the palm of his hand."

Kelli Grady Damman

Carol and family, I will be praying for you all during this time of loss. May the Lord comfort your heart and bring smiles to you as you remember the precious times!

Belynda (Thomas) Gambrell

Carol, So many thoughts and prayers are with you, Don and your family at this time. I hope you take comfort in knowing how many lives were touched by your mother.

Dave McRoberts

Dear Carol and Don, Heartfelt sadness for the loss of your beloved mother. It was interesting to read about her life as well as see her cute picture. Her kind eyes and a beautiful smile I am sure will be missed by all who were blessed by her time and loving care. P.S. Carol, I see the family resemblance. I too look like (a younger version of) my mom and when I look in the mirror I think of my mom and the wonderful times we shared. It's a nice gift to look like our mothers as it holds us closer (in memory) to our beloved moms. You are in my thoughts. Carol, Let's make lunch plans when you are up to it. Take care.

Tammy Hale

Uncle Mike, Aunt Liz and Zoe, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother/Grandmother. I am sending tons of warm wishes and prayers your way. I love you all!

Allie Stewart

Carol & Family-- So sorry to hear of your less. Jeanne was such a wonderful woman and had such a keen eye for art. She was a joy to be around & will be missed by many.

Fran Krempasky

Dear Carol and Don, I am so sorry to learn of your mother's passing. Thank you for sharing your love of her, and your family, with us. We hope you find joy in the remembrance of her wonderful life in this time of sorrow.

Stacy Charlesbois and Ian Nordan

Mike, Liz, Zoe and the Benson family, we are so sorry to hear about your loss. We have always enjoyed hearing the stories of you family and the wonderful traditions your mom created to keep all of you close to her heart, especially the weekly postcards. Your Friends, Gina & Dan

Gina & Dan Fox

Dear Carol, I have just returned to work and found the notice about your mother's passing. Please know that my heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family. This picture of your mother shows a sweet smile and very, very kind eyes.

Sally Simon

Betsy and family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Although I did not know your mother, Betsy, it sounds that your mom had a wonderful, fun-filled, family-filled life. I can definitely see where you got your kind eyes and sweet soul. Take care of each other.

Lori Kane

My Dear Betsy, I am so sorry for your loss. I met your Mother a couple of times when she came to visit you at the library. I looked into her eyes and felt her warmth and kindness. I pray that God eases your grief and gives you comfort and ease. Tahira Bryant Naeem

Tahira Bryant Naeem

Dear Missy, Betsy, Peggy,Char, Mike & Family's We are very sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother/Grandmother. Jeanne was a treasure of a person to know as she had the distinct ability to always focus on you so intently to make you feel truly as the only person in the world at that moment. That is a rare ability. I always felt so comfortable with her as she made you feel so good. She enjoyed our children at the library as she always said we kept the library in good standing with our usage. Your Mom & Dad were both so very special. Keep close as a family as I know that would be there fondest wish. Fondly John & Barbara King

Barbara King

Jeanne & I were friends since grade school, graduated from High School on the same day and married about a year apart. We had our babies together and watched our kids grow up. Jeanne, Cliff, Bus and I were all good friends. May all of you find comfort in knowing that they are all together now and in God's hands. My thoughts are with each of you. Irene Figley and children: Robert, Patrick, Barbara, Susan, Jeanne, William and Mary Lou.

Jeanne Munson