Mary J. Benson

Mary Jeanette Benson, 99, born August 3, 1924, to the late Nelson and Permella (Huffman) Berkshire in Royal Center, Indiana, sadly passed away Sunday, May 26, 2024, at her residence in Sandhill Gardens, Punta Gorda, Florida.

After graduating from Burnettsville High School, Burnettsville, IN. in 1943, Mary married Sgt. Albert Perry Benson of Cass County, IN. on July 19, 1943. He honorably served in the Army throughout WWII. Together they embarked on a journey that took them from Logansport, IN., to Wabash, IN. in 1956. Mary worked diligently throughout her life, including at the Wabash Country Club, Hipskind Ins., and First National Bank, leaving a lasting impact in each of her roles.

In 1973, they moved to Collinsville, VA. Then moving on to Venice, FL, and McComb, OH, before retiring in Port Charlotte, FL.

Preceding her in death was her beloved husband Albert Perry Benson, May 18, 2000, son Richard Neil Benson, August 1, 1981, motorcycle accident, 2 sisters, Thora Pownell and Helen Merkert, and 5 brothers, Robert, Frances, Clyde (Dutch), Dean, and Charles Berkshire.

During her 80's, Mary found joy in exploring the world through over 100 Royal Caribbean cruises, cherishing every moment spent surrounded by the vast expanse of the seas.

She is survived by son Carl (Isabell) Benson of Punta Gorda, FL., daughter Brenda (Larry) Veverka of Punta Gorda, FL., 4 grandchildren: Nicola (Matt) Tisdale of Punta Gorda, FL., Carl Benson II of Port Charlotte, FL., Francesca (Josh) Bales of Evergreen, CO., Clayton (Polly) Howell of La Fontaine, IN., with 9 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Services are private.

Arrangements by Johnson-Taylor Funeral & Cremation, 1515 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL.