Margaret Ann (Nancy) Benson, age 98, of Grand Marais and Redmond, Washington, died peacefully at home with her family on November 11, 2015. She had been active and enjoying good health until she suffered a small stroke on July 5. From that point on her health steadily declined. Her last trip back to her beloved Grand Marais home was this August.
Nancy was born November 15, 1916 in Knapp, Wisconsin to Louis and Clara Bruckner. She spent her early years in Lemington, Wisconsin, where her parents operated a general store and post office. Later she moved with her family to Hammond, Wisconsin, where she graduated from high school.
As a young woman Nancy lived at home and worked as a stenographer for the Rural Electrification Administration. She enjoyed her work and made lifelong friendships with coworkers. It was in those years that she became acquainted with Harold Benson, the man who would later become her husband.
In 1953, Nancy and Harold married and settled in Grand Marais. Harold and his brother Sherman owned and operated Midway Garage, later known as Midway Service Station. Nancy quickly came to love this little town on the shores of Lake Superior as well as the lakes, streams, and forest that surround it. Nancy became a devoted homemaker and a year later mother to their son Max. No child could wish for a happier, more loving, or more supportive home than the one Nancy and Harold provided.
Nancy was known for her beautiful flower garden, which supplied many a bouquet for flower shows and worship services. She was a long time member of the Grand Marais Garden Club. Nancy loved getting out in the woods, whether it was spending an afternoon in a berry patch, going on a hike, cross country skiing, or fishing with Harold. Nancy also enjoyed travelling. She and Harold made car trips to many different parts of the United States, and they also travelled overseas.
After Harold’s death in 1996, Nancy started spending the winter months with Max and his family, even during the three years they lived in Hong Kong. She treasured the opportunity to be involved in her grandchildren’s lives as they grew from infancy to adulthood.
In her later years, Nancy enjoyed day trips and weekly knitting gatherings organized by the Redmond Senior Center.
To the end she retained her curiosity, positive attitude, and beautiful smile.
Nancy is dearly missed by her son Max, his wife Frances, their three children Aileen, Joanna, and Andrew, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. Her husband Harold, her sister Adrienne Moen, and her parents preceded her in death.
In addition to the service that will be held November 28 in Bellevue, Washington, a second service will be held in Grand Marais during the first week of January.
Memorials may be directed to the Bellevue Christian Reformed Church (Bellevue, Washington), the Grand Marais Garden Club, or the Superior Hiking Trail Association.
Leave a Reply