Nancy Benjamin

ESSEX JUNCTION - Nancy Kay Benjamin, 68, ascended into Heaven on Friday, January 15th to be with her daughter Karen, while at home surrounded by her loving family. She had a courageous battle with Myelofibrosis for over five years.
She was born on June 18th, 1941 in Savanna, IL to the late Percy H. and Mary Ellen (Coats) Geelhart. She grew up in many towns along the Milwaukee Railroad from Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA where her father worked. Nancy received her Registered Nurse degree in Seattle before moving to Milwaukee, WI where she met and married her husband of over 44 years, N. James Benjamin, on September 11th, 1965 in Elgin, IL. Together they moved to his home State of Vermont in April 1966 and has been a true Vermonter ever since.
Nancys true passion in life was in her kind manner with always putting others first, making her a very special person as a mother, grandmother and friend to all who met her. Whether it be on family trips with family and friends to her favorite destination, Disney World, an annual picnic to the mountains of Stowe, or cooking a turkey dinner for all to enjoy, all were welcome with open arms. Her home was made special by her various collections from her travels and the time she spent on family photo albums. At Christmas time she always found more enjoyment in the giving than receiving, and always did very well to that end. Travel throughout the US and New Zealand were always more special and enjoyable when shared with her children and grandchildren. She worked as a Registered Nurse in the maternity ward at FAHC for almost 20 years and always handled the babies with special love and caring.
Nancy is survived by her children and grandchildren: daughter Debra & Kenneth Crook and children Sarianna, Carl and Sean of Whangarei, New Zealand; daughter Karens children Shannon, Thomas, and Maria Magnan and their father Joseph Magnan of Fairfield; daughter Susan & Michael Scarano and son Dominic of Fishkill, New York; son Stephen of Alpharetta, Georgia; son Jeffrey & Spryng and children Mylie, Hannah, and Danielle from Johnson; and son Timothy & Amber and children Tristan and Ian from Essex Junction. She was predeceased by daughter Karen Magnan.
Other surviving family include: brother William & Karen Geelhart of Nevada, IA; sister Patricia & William Buban of Rockford, IL; brother-in-law Bruce Benjamin of Swanton; sister-in-law Sandra Andersen of Franklin; brother-in-law Michael & Denna Benjamin of Franklin; and sister-in-law Mary & Timothy Bates of Franklin.
Special thanks to Dr. Chris Holmes and nurses from FAHC, especially Jo-Anne Nielson, and Dr. Ruben Mesa from the Mayo Clinic for their superb efforts in helping to fight the Myelofibrosis disease.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 19th at 11:00AM at the East Franklin Union Church with Pastor Jason McConnell officiating. Burial will be held in the spring at the East Franklin cemetery.
Calling hours will be held from 4:00PM - 7:00PM on Monday, January 18th at the Spears Funeral Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburg Falls.
For those who wish, contributions in Nancys memory may be made to the charity of ones choice.