Mary Elizabeth Benson

August 10, 1938 - December 21, 2015

Mary Elizabeth Benson

August 10, 1938 - December 21, 2015

Obituary

Mary Elizabeth Benson passed away peacefully at home in Bellingham on December 1, 2015 after a long illness. Mary was born in Iowa on August 10, 1938 and generously shared her birthday with a son and grandson. She was preceded in death by her parents Carl and Wilma Phillips; brothers Richard, William, Daniel, James; sister Donna Dragates. She is survived by her husband John; sister Vergie Whittaker; children Chris, Tim, and Amy Garland. Mary is also survived by many special people who will miss her a lot: Tracie Day, Tara Benson (daughter in law), Scott Garland (son in law), and grandchildren Brad Benson, Zach Garland, Bri Garland, and Addi Garland, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Family was her life. What will we do without Granny Bear’s Rice Crispy cookie holiday bears and her world famous hamburger chowmein casserole? The family would like to express our thanks and appreciation to the nurses and Dr. Nestor at the Peace Health Cancer Center.
At Mary’s request, she will be cremated and there will be no ceremony. Family will gather at a future date to spread her remains as she wished.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there; I did not die.

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2 responses to Mary Elizabeth Benson

  1. It is fitting that Mary’s obituary appears on Christmas Day where symbols of peace, joy and love are central. It is a perfect setting for celebrating her life and the impact she had in shaping the lives of her beloved family members. I hope that sharing those memories with one another will be a special blessing for each of you to be remembered and treasured forever. With Love…Beverly

  2. Speaking on behalf of the Bellingham High School Class of 1956, we send our condolences to Mary’s entire family. The ones we love are never gone, they live within our hearts.Billey (Quanz) Force

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