Mary Margaret Benjamin 1919 - 1998

BENJAMIN, MESSING

Posted By: Connie J Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 9/6/2014 at 22:28:00

16 December 1998

Mary Margaret Benjamin, 79, lifelong resident of Onawa, Iowa, died Friday, November 27, 1998, at Elmwood Care Centre, Onawa, Iowa.

Mary was born on a farm Northwest of Onawa on February 23, 1919, the daughter of Thomas H. "Bert" and Edith. L. (Messing) Benjamin. She attended Asthon No. 2, the Murphy School, in Monona County and graduated from Onawa High School in 1937.

She had held offices in the Ashton Women's Club and the Rosary Society where she was past president. She was also an active member of St. John's Catholic Church and taught CCD classes for 30 years. She was one of the first Eucharist ministers commissioned in St. John's Church. She raised flowers and decorated the altar for many years.

Survivors include 3 brothers, Herbert N. and Paul M., both of Onawa, and Thomas L. and his wife, Berniece of South Sioux City, Nebraska; 2 sisters, Virginia E. Beck of Onawa and Helen I. and her husband, John Ryan of Blencoe, Iowa; 1 sister-in-law, Verla Benjamin of Onawa; 18 nieces and nephews; and 31 grand-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers, Father George J. and Maurice.

A Scripture Service was held at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, November 29, 1998, at St. John's Catholic Church, Onawa, Iowa, followed by the Rosary, The Legion of Mary.

A Funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 30, 1998, at St. John's Catholic Church, Onawa, Iowa, with Father Frank Nemmers, Mass Celebrant and Father a Donald Smith, Monsignor Richard Zenk, and Father A.E. McCoy, Concelebrants. The Lector was Mr. David Hausman.

The organist was Mrs. Darrell Hewitt. Mr. Joseph Benjamin sang the Offertory Solo, "Hail Mary, Gentle Woman" and Mr. David Hausman sang the Communion Solo, "On Eagles' Wings". The Congregational Hymns were "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art".

Altar Servers were Andrew, Benjamin, Corey Hausman, and Andy Beck.

Honorary Casket Bearers were the Nieces and Nephews. Casket Bearers were Ed Benjamin, Leo Benjamin, Mike Beck, Bill Beck, Jim Beck, and Mike Ryan.

Interment was in the Onawa Cemetery, Onawa, Iowa, with arrangements by Pearson Funeral Home, Onawa, Iowa.