It is with great sadness that the family of Josephine “Jo” Benson, 95, of Rainycrest Long-Term Care in Fort Frances, Ont., and lifelong resident of Rainy River District, announces her peaceful passing on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011 with family by her side.
Jo was born Oct. 4, 1915, in Pinewood, Ont. to the late Alfred and Clara Brown.
She attended and graduated with her teacher’s degree from North Bay Normal School. Her early teaching began in a one-room school north of Stratton, Ont., and later for the Rainy River School Board.
On Aug. 17, 1946, she was united in marriage to William Campbell “Cam” Benson. Following their marriage, Jo took time out from teaching to start her family. She later returned to teaching, which she loved, until her retirement in 1978.
She was a member of Knox United Church, a Life Member of the Rainycrest Auxiliary, and a member of the Eastern Star. Jo volunteered her time passionately and tirelessly throughout her life, serving with many worthy organizations and charities over the years.
Her family, however, always remained the most important part of her life.
She was predeceased by her husband, William Campbell “Cam” Benson; and two brothers-in-law.
Jo is survived by her two daughters, Wendy and husband, Jim Murphy, of Thunder Bay, Ont. and Patty Ritchey of Burnaby, B.C.; and son, Rick Benson and wife, Lynda, of Simcoe, Ont.
Also surviving are her grandchildren, Ryan Murphy and wife, Jessica, Kim and husband, Dan Radul, Jeremy Davis, Joshua Ritchey, Kyle Benson and wife, Liliya, Ashley and husband, Tom Compoli, Meagan Benson, Brett Benson, and Brendan Benson; and three great-grandchildren, Keaton and Carmella Compoli, and Asher Benson.
She also is survived by one brother, Gerald Brown and wife, Merv, of Fort Frances, Ont.; two sisters, Marge Croome of Atikokan, Ont. and Ruby Duns of Caledonia, Ont.; and many nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place. A graveside service to celebrate Jo’s life will be held at Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances at a later date.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to their charity of their choice c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
Jo will be greatly missed by her family and many friends.
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