Marna Benjamin

Marna Eileen Duquette “Gum-Gum” Benjamin, age 90, of The Neck District, Cambridge, MD, passed away late October 31, 2009 at Dorchester General Hospital.

Born on September 21, 1919 in Glen Ellen, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late George Duquette and Margaret Eileen Sheehan Duquette.

Mrs. Benjamin was a graduate of Boonton High School, Class of 1937, Boonton, NJ.

She married Rodney Tillotson Benjamin on a snowy April 9, 1942. Mr. Benjamin died on February 25, 1973.

Mr. Benjamin served in the U.S. Army during World War II. During his time overseas Mrs. Benjamin worked at a Munitions Plant in Boonton, NJ and was also a candy striper. She and her husband moved to Florida after the war for a short period of time then made their home at Cooks Point, Dorchester County, MD. In the late 1950’s Mrs. Benjamin became an Avon representative; she was also a promoter and eventually manager for Colony Bowling Lanes in Cambridge.

Mrs. Benjamin received her degree as an LPN (licensed practical nurse) at age 62 from the Eastern Shore State Hospital School of Nursing. Mrs. Benjamin worked there for ten years, then was a private home health care nurse and worked at Glasgow Nursing Home. She was always willing to give care and aid to anyone in need. Her affection for people and animals was apparent to all who knew and loved her.

Mrs. Benjamin, or “Gum-Gum” as she was affectionately known, held great pride and love for her family. She founded Cub Scout Troop #406 and was den mother for many years.

A devoted member of Spedden United Methodist Church, she was active in the Women’s Prayer Group and the Disciples Group.

“Gum-Gum” leaves a legacy of love to be continued by her three sons Rodney Duquette “Quette” Benjamin, David Duquette Benjamin and George Duquette “Duqui” Benjamin; daughter and devoted caregiver of many years Marna Duquette “Yea-Yea” Benjamin, all of Cambridge, MD; daughters-in-law Gail Todd Benjamin, Anne Usiondek-Benjamin, and Leslie Diane Benjamin; five grandchildren Lt. Col. Traci Benjamin-Hoffman, USMC and her husband Lt. Col. Garrett Hoffman, USMC, Eileen Ruth Benjamin, Jennifer Anne Benjamin and her fiancé Brandon Wingate, Kelsey Grace Benjamin and Kristin Marie Benjamin; two great-grandchildren Carson Benjamin Hoffman and Reese Benjamin Hoffman; beloved pets Price and Miss Nettie, and numerous other cousins, extended family and cherished friends.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening, Nov. 5th at Curran-Bromwell Funeral Home, P.A. from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 6th at Dorchester Memorial Park. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. the same day at Spedden United Methodist Church where a reception will immediately follow at the church. Officiating will be The Rev. Pam Bockart, Pastor of the Choptank Charge.

In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to Spedden United Methodist Church, c/o Mrs. Carolyn Wright, 507 Gay St., Cambridge, MD 21613 and or Neck District Vol. Fire Dept, 954 Cooks Point Rd., Cambridge, MD 21613.

Born: September 21, 1919
Place of Birth: Glen Ellen, IL USA
Death: October 31, 2009
Place of Death: Cambridge, MD USA

Visitation

Thursday November 5, 2009 , 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Curran-Bromwell Funeral Home

Graveside Service

Friday November 6, 2009 , 11:00 a.m. at Dorchester Memorial Park

Memorial Service

Friday November 6, 2009 , 1:00 p.m. at Spedden United Methodist Church

Flower Deliveries

at Thursday by 3:30 p.m.