Dorothy Marie Benjamin's Obituary
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF DOROTHY M. BENJAMIN
Dorothy Benjamin (née Thomas) died on December 24, 2014 in Lakewood, WA at the age of 80.
Dorothy is survived by her husband of over 56 years, David Benjamin and her children, Gregory Benjamin and Letitia Benjamin. She is also survived by her siblings Lillian T. Thomas, Houston, TX; Mary D. Gilliard, Houston, TX; Joseph J. Thomas, Brooklyn, NY; Elizabeth T. Lazard, San Antonio, TX and Arthur Thomas, Jr., Houston, TX. She is preceded in death by her siblings, Harry J. Thomas, Okinawa, Japan; Willie J. Thomas, Houston, TX and Rose Mary Washington, New Orleans, LA.
Dorothy was born on March 6, 1934 in Opelousas, LA to Arthur and Mary Thomas. She married David Benjamin, who served in the armed forces, in 1958. Their many tours of duty included Oklahoma, Japan, Philippines, Maryland and Washington. While traveling with the military, the couple welcomed two children into their home whom they taught to value education and family and to pursue their goals. Her children remember her as a kind and patient mother who encouraged them to try new things and to know that they could accomplish anything they set their mind and heart to do. Dorothy began a 20 year career as a distributor for Military Lifestyle Magazine in Maryland and retired in Washington.
Always willing to share her faith in God, Dorothy taught Confraternity of Christian Doctrine at Clark Air Force Base, Philippines and Andrews AFB, Maryland. She was an active and dedicated member of the McChord Catholic Chapel and served as a Proclaimer of the Word and President of the Catholic Women of the Chapel.
Dorothy was accomplished in her culinary skills and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. In addition, she was a talented seamstress who sewed items from clothing to home decor. She was a generous and dedicated individual who loved music, gardening, exercising and volunteerism and was passionate about pursuing anything creative. Her interests included playing the piano, singing, cake decorating, ceramics and sports.
Her volunteer efforts included the Air Force Sergeants Association, the McChord AFB Thrift Store and school events in which her children participated.
The family would like to thank the medical staff at Madigan Army Medical Center for truly providing care with compassion. Thank you, also, to our church family and friends for their support through prayer.
A Wake/Vigil service will be held Friday, January 2 2015 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm at Mountain View Funeral Home. Funeral Service held 11:00am Saturday, January 3, 2015 at the McChord Field Chapel #2, followed by a graveside service at Mountain View. A reception will follow the graveside service in the Willow Room in the Mountain View Celebration of Life Center.
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