Mary M. Benson

Lansing

Mary M. Benson passed away peacefully at Walden Place in Cortland, NY with family at her side on December 22, 2017, at the age of 99. A lifelong Groton/Lansing resident, Mary was born at home on July 24, 1918. She graduated from Groton High School in 1937 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics from Cornell University in 1941. In 1943, she married Clarence C. Benson and in 1946 they purchased Bensvue Farm on Lansingville Road. Over the course of the next 58 years their family and farm grew and prospered. Together they raised five children and added buildings and acreage to the farm. Clarence and Mary enjoyed travel to Europe, South America and Africa and toured many of the 50 states during their “motor home winters”. They moved to Woodsedge in 2004 and Mary lived there contentedly until June 2017. Mary was active in many church and community groups and her positive, pragmatic spirit enriched the lives of those around her. She had many friends but counted family as her greatest blessing. She is survived by her children, C. Charles Benson (Andra) of Lansing, NY, Marjorie Randles (David) of Argyle, NY, Johanna Benson of Argyle, NY, Sarah “Lainie” Hawley (Tim) of Ontario, NY and A. Fay Benson (Linda) of Groton, NY; 17 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren; a sister, Jacoba Baker of Lansing, NY; a brother, Fred C. Munson (Mary) of Manchester, MI; a brother-in-law, Norman Benson of Groton, NY and a large extended family.Mary is predeceased by her parents, J. Paul and Johanna Huffnagel Munson; her beloved husband, Clarence; and her siblings Cornelia Downie of Lafayette, IN, Jasper P. Munson of Sandpoint, ID and Philip Munson of Lansing, NY. Mary’s family would like to acknowledge the kind and professional care she experienced at Walden Place and the compassionate support she received from Hospicare. The family will be present for calling hours from 3-6pm, on Wednesday, January 3rd at Lansing Funeral Home, 32 Auburn Rd., Lansing, NY. A memorial service, officiated by Pastor Alison Schmied, will be held at 11am, on Thursday, January 4th, at Lansing United Methodist Church, 32 Brickyard Rd., Lansing, NY. A luncheon in the church fellowship hall will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to either Lansing United Methodist Church, 32 Brickyard Rd., Lansing, NY 14882; or Hospicare, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850.