Mary Benson, 59, died peacefully Sunday, December 27, 2015, at her home in Alpena, Michigan, after a long battle with cancer with her family in attendance.
She was born Mary Virginia Bergan on February 15, 1956, in Roseau, Minnesota, the daughter of Glen and Martha Bergan. She grew up in Williams, Minnesota.
She was a graduate of Lake of the Woods High School in Baudette, Minnesota, and of the medical laboratory technician program in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where she met her future husband, Dr. Peter Benson of Rock Island, Illinois. They were married December 31, 1977, and made their home in Alpena, Michigan, where Mary worked for many years at Alpena Medical Arts.
Mary is survived by her husband Peter; sons Andrew (Sarah) and Alexander and daughter Jaclyn Martinez (Robert); three grandchildren, Harvey, August, and Kasen; two brothers, David and John, and a sister, Martha Rhode.
Mary donated her body to medical science through Michigan State University. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Those who knew her would say she was an extremely kind, positive, and selfless person. She will forever be remembered as a bird lover, green-thumb, exceptional cook, loving mother and exemplary hockey mom.
A memorial service will be held on February 15, 2016, at the Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary from 5:30pm – 8:30pm. At the request of the deceased, guests should wear “bright and happy” colors.
