NORTH MANCHESTER - Dr. Marcia L. Benjamin, 57, North Manchester, passed away quietly at her home at 1:20 p.m. Nov. 24, 2010.
She was born at 1:20 p.m. Nov. 27, 1953, in Wabash, to Edwin and Harriet Benjamin.
She was one of the oldest surviving Cystic Fibrosis patients in the United States. Her determination and passion for living eclipsed many of the effects of the disease.
Anyone who knew her remembers her kind heart, caring spirit, insightful communications and carefree laughter. She loved gourmet cooking and spent hours in her kitchen perfecting culinary masterpieces, as well as delicious comfort foods that she liked to call "Aunt Fannie meals"- named after her favorite great aunt.
Dinner parties with friends were cherished events and she kept menus of each one so a returning guest would never be served the same food. Spring often found her supervising the planting of hundreds of flower bulbs around her home where she treasured the company and personalities of her many cats.
After graduating from Wabash High School in 1972, she attended Manchester College obtaining her bachelor's degree in psychology and graduating with high distinction. A master's degree in communication followed from Ohio University, and in 1993 she earned a PhD in communication from Purdue University.
During pursuit of her doctorate degree, she worked at the Bowen Center, Warsaw, where she was a consultation and education specialist, and later director of volunteer services.
She arrived at Manchester College in 1987 as an assistant professor of communication studies, and in three years attained the title of full-tenured professor of communication studies. She retired in 2010 as professor emeritus. Her commitment to her students earned many accolades, but her greatest satisfaction came from watching her students' achievements following graduation.
Throughout her teaching career, she was the recipient of many grants and achievement awards. Three times she was named to the "Who's Who Among America's Teachers."
Her community service included six years on the Youth Service Bureau of Big Brothers, Big Sisters board, Wabash, and Grant County, as well as serving on the editorial board of Network, a quarterly publication for adult cystic fibrosis patients.
Her drive, determination and high spirits in the face of failing physical health will continue to be an inspiration to all who knew her and loved her.
Also surviving are her life partner, Shea Finnegan, North Manchester; brother, Chris (and spouse Janice) Benjamin, Waterford, Mich.; nephews, Scott (and spouse Kim) Benjamin, Roswell, Ga.; Mike (and spouse Molly) Benjamin and Rob Benjamin, both of Waterford; Hunter Finnegan, North Manchester; niece, Brooke Jimenez, Anchorage, Alaska; and a great niece, Maggie Benjamin, Roswell. She was preceded in death by a brother, Mark. She leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and colleagues who will cherish their memories of her forever.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Church of the Brethren, North Manchester. Cremation will follow.
Calling is from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the church.
Grandstaff-Hentgen Bender Chapel, North Manchester, is in charge of arrangements.
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In lieu of flowers, it was her request that memorial contributions be made to Manchester College.
Condolences may be sent to www.grandstaff-hentgen.com
