Marilyn Helen Berkelhammer Benson

MARILYN HELEN BERKELHAMMER BENSON, 86, of Greensboro, N.C., unexpectedly passed away late Tuesday, February 23rd, while vacationing in Marco Island, Florida with her loving husband of more than 60 years, Edward Benson. The daughter of Alice and William Berkelhammer, she was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and attended Washington University in St. Louis and Brooklyn College. Marilyn and Edward moved to Greensboro in 1958 and raised four children here. She was a dynamic centripetal force forging family and friends in innumerable circles where she commanded admiration, respect and love; her well-known generosity and perspicacity will be sorely missed. She was an integral part of her gourmet club and knitting circle, a stalwart volunteer at both the area hospitals and Greensboro Historical Museum (amongst other places), and a supporter of many community institutions and causes. Marilyn was a pillar of her religious community, an active member of Greensboro’s Beth David Synagogue for a decade and of Temple Emanuel for 50 years, both of which were near and dear to her heart. She is predeceased by her parents and her brother Joel. Marilyn is survived by her adored and adoring husband and four children and eight grandchildren: Howard (grandchildren Rachel and Rebekah), Stephanie (Robert, grandchildren Jared and Ethan), Paul (Heather, grandchildren Evan and Joel), and Benjamin (Tiz, grandchildren Natalie and Zack). She is also survived by her sister, Ellen Berlin, and sister-in-law, Mary Berkelhammer, as well as numerous devoted and loving nieces, nephews and other relatives. The funeral service will be this Sunday, February 28, at Temple Emanuel, 1129 Jefferson Road, Greensboro, NC 27410, at 3:30 pm, to be followed by internment in The Hebrew Cemetery, 1129 Gate City Blvd. (formerly High Point Road). The family will be receiving visitors at Edward’s home following the Sunday internment and also on Monday evening for a shiva minyan service and visitation starting at 5:45 pm. Donations may be directed to Temple Emanuel (donations made to the Temple should please note it be designated to the “Capital Improvement Fund for The Hebrew Cemetery”), or to the “Greensboro Scholarship Fund” of the American Hebrew Academy (4334 Hobbs Rd., Greensboro, NC 27410), or to a charity or cause of your choice.