Mary E. (Roche) Benson

Mary E. Benson, 98, longtime Rock Island resident, died Saturday, October 20, 2018 at Silver Cross Pavilion at Friendship Manor, Rock Island.  In accordance with her wishes, cremation rites were accorded.  There will be no services.  Inurnment will be at Calvary Mausoleum, Rock Island.  Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island, is assisting the family.

Mary was born May 2, 1920 in Rock Island, a daughter of Marcus and Meta Brondel Roche.  She graduated from St. Joseph High School and was a lifetime member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church until it closed.  She was proud that her grandfather helped establish the church.  She was currently a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island. 

Mary married John P. Benson in 1939.  They later divorced.

Mary retired in 1984 after 40 plus years as the bookkeeper at Valley Construction Company.  She was a charter member of Quad City Chapter N.A.W.I.C. and served as an officer on many different levels in the organization.  She attended many regional and national conventions of the organization with her best friend, Bea Gromoll.

After retirement she volunteered at the American Cancer Society and also donated her time for many years at the Rock Island Police Department.  In retirement, she also enjoyed doing yard work and crossword puzzles.

Mary was an excellent seamstress, wonderful cook and baker and enjoyed sharing her talents with friends and neighbors.

Survivors include her daughter, Joan Geisman, Ft. Pierce, Fla. and son, James W. Benson, Rock Island.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother and sister-in-law, Marc and Ruth Roche.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Friendship Manor and Heartland Hospice for their compassionate care!

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