Mary Loetta Taylor Beneventi died from a stroke on September 14, 2012, four days before her 89th birthday.
She was born Sept. 18, 1923, to Agnes and Herbert Taylor, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Mary attended Knox College where she received a BS in Psychology and in 1951 earned her MS from Kansas State University. Mary was a charter member of the National and Montana Associations of School Psychologists.
Mary was the first psychologist hired by the Helena School District where she was employed for 30 years. She was a strong advocate for the developmentally disabled, giving voice to those who could not speak for themselves. Mary was a devoted wife. In 1951, she married Victor J. Beneventi, and they were married for 39 years until his death in 1990. They moved to Helena in 1952 where they raised their 7 children. She was a caring mother and friend.
After retirement, Mary lived during the winter in Mesa, AZ, and the remainder of the year at the family cabin on Canyon Ferry Lake. One of her greatest pleasures was to sit on the deck at the cabin and watch the sun and shadows over the lake and the mountains surrounded by her children, grandchildren and friends. Even as her vision declined from glaucoma, she maintained a positive outlook, determination, strong faith, and a sense of humor.
Mary was blessed with her own family, the families of School District #1 and Carroll College, the community at Canyon Ferry, the Montana Association for the Blind, and her dear friends at the Waterford Touchmark, where she lived her final years.
Mary is survived by her siblings Leonard Taylor and Rita Finch, her children Tom (Angel), Jim (Deana), Judy (Don Maynard), Lauria, Anne (Tim Engberg), Joe, Gina (Don Tweden), 15 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vic, and great grandson, Ethan.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Touchmark, the caring third floor nurses and Hospice Staff at St. Peter’s Hospital, Dr. Travis, Dr. Harrison, Dr. Berbos, Dr. Burkholder, in Helena and Dr. Patel from the Mayo Clinic in Mesa, AZ, and all her dear friends for their care and support.
A Vigil will be held at 6:00 p.m. Monday, September 17, 2012, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A Mass of Catholic Burial will take place at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 18th, 2012, at the Cathedral of St. Helena with a reception to follow in the Brondel Center at the Cathedral. Burial will take place at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 18 at Montana State Veterans Cemetery. It was Mary’s wish that in lieu of flowers, any donations are sent to the Montana Association for the Blind, PO Box 465, Helena, MT 59624 or Carroll College, 1601 N. Benton, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences or share a memory of Mary.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday September 17, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Mass of Christian Burial
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday September 18, 2012
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Tuesday September 18, 2012
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 North Ewing Street
Helena, MT 59602
Burial
Approximately 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday September 18, 2012
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Monday September 17, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Mass of Christian Burial
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday September 18, 2012
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing Street
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the Mass
Tuesday September 18, 2012
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 North Ewing Street
Helena, MT 59602
Burial
Approximately 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday September 18, 2012
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison
Helena, MT 59602
Share
George & Elli Olson says
Our prayers and hearts go out to the Beneventi Family.
Bob Bishop & Sandy Hubbell says
Our thoughts an prayers are with you. We were her neighbors in Mesa Spirit for many years. We have fond memories of Happy Hours, casino trips, dinners and the strong friendship we developed with her. Treasure your wonderful memories of such a SPECIAL mother, sister and friend. We just with we could be with you for the celebration of her life. God bless you all and she will have a special place in out hearts forever.
Bod & Sandy
L
Keith Stephens says
Mom to more than just her own.
Earle Damon says
Jim and family.
Read of your mothers passing. My sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Earle
Loree Steckler says
Judy and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family members. You had a wonderful Mother.
John Smilanic says
My thoughts, prayers and heart are with all the B’s. Aunt Mary was one of a kind and my memories of her will always be with me. The summers in Helena, disneyland and the times they made in to Denver. She was always joyful and kept a bright light on everything. She will be missed.
My deepest condolences.
With you in spirit and all my love to you all.
John
Kathy Brothers says
Dear Gina &Don & Lewis &Domonic
So sorry to hear about your mom and grandma. I was always told what a wonderful women she was from Whit. My prayers go out to you. If you need anything please feel free to call me. God Bless you All Kathy Brothers John Whitney
Matt & Mary Kunnary says
Dear Beneventi family – Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Mary was a very kind, nice person. We all know that she is with Vic now, and God Bless them both. Matt & I knew them both and they were a wonderful couple.
Take care and if we can help in any way, please let us know.
God’s Blessings, Matt & Mary K
Carol Stebbins says
I knew Mary at Canyon Ferry Lake and what a delightful person she was. I used to see her walking along the road and going the extra mile to clean up the thistle weeds!! She always had time for a short visit with me. My deepest sympathy to you all. Sincerely, Carol Stebbins
Whitney Brothers says
Gina and Family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I am blessed to have met Mary and shared some family dinners with her. Great lady, always had a sense of humor. Take care and let me know of anything I can do for you and the family.
Love and miss you all,
Whitney
NANCY MURRAY SCHARF says
Judy I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom and dad were both great people and like a second family to me . I remember so many times going into your house as a kid and always your mom was there to meet us . So many happy times. Just think now she is up there with your Dad and my Mom and Dad they are having drinks and talking about the parties at you house. My prayers are with you all. Nancy
Jack Haffey says
Thoughts and prayers, and condolences, to all of Mary’s family. Mary was a special friend to so many. My Mother, Clara Cavanaugh, was Mary’s long time friend, coming to know Mary and Vic when Clara managed the Carroll College bookstore from 1965 through 1985. More recently Mary and Clara both lived at Waterford/Touchmark and were the very best of friends. Mary brought a huge smile to Clara’s face whenever they visited. Mary was genuinely loving and caring. Indeed all of us loved visiting with Mary when she and Clara visited – Mary was such a wonderful lady. Jack Haffey.
Chris Wolfe (Weir) says
To all the Beneventis- Judy , Laurie, Anne-my thoughts are with all of you. Your family meant a great deal to me. So many wonderful memories of your mom. She was so kind and warm always. Chris
Hannah says
Best Grandmother ever!!!