A beloved mother, sister and friend, Carolyn Edna (Teufel) Bensen, aged 91, of Rochester Hills, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019, at home surrounded by family. She was born Feb. 28, 1928, in Detroit, the daughter of George and Alberta Teufel.
Carolyn is survived by her six children: Brian (Tammie) Bensen, Eric (Tami) Bensen, Keith (Janet) Benjaminsen, Paul (April) Bensen, David (Mary) Bensen and Dianne (Doug) Roehm; by her 13 grandchildren; and by her brother, Harold (Bonnie) Teufel. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her brother, George Teufel.
In addition to her family, Carolyn’s faith and friends were central to her life. In 1958, she became a charter member of the University Presbyterian Church. She later transitioned to the Rochester Church of Christ, where she worshiped for the past 56 years. Carolyn also was a regular at the Older Person’s Commission in Rochester. There, she served as a volunteer for many years and joined in numerous organized activities. These included travels across the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, as well as musical and theatrical performances. She also served for a time as president of the Prime Time travel group.
Throughout her life, Carolyn enjoyed membership and leadership roles in several organizations, clubs and music groups. She was a dedicated Girl Scout and advanced to become a Girl Scout troop leader at the age of 18. Carolyn sang in the glee club at an early age and later joined local church and community choruses. A talented musician, she also enjoyed playing the violin, piano and her beloved Hammond organ. She performed at weddings, music festivals and more.
Carolyn was a homemaker for much of her married life, which began in 1954. She spent 10 years at Michigan Bell before leaving in 1956 after the birth of her first child. After raising her children, she worked for 15 years at Anscor Inc., Manufacturer’s Representatives in Troy, Michigan. She retired on her 65th birthday and spent her remaining years doting on her grandchildren, indulging her love for travel and enjoying time with friends and family.
The visitation for family and friends will be held at the Pixley Funeral Home (322 W. University Dr., Rochester, MI) on Sunday, Nov. 17, from 12-5 p.m. A celebration of Carolyn’s life will begin at the Pixley Funeral Home on Monday, Nov. 18, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Older Person’s Commission (650 Letica Dr., Rochester, MI 48307 / www.opcseniorcenter.org / 248-659-1034).
