Dorothy Olive Benedict

SANTA CRUZ, CALIF. - Dorothy Olive Benedict, 90, died Saturday, September 13, 1997, at her residence

A native of Racine, Dorothy spent most of her life in Madison. In 1930, she married R. Ralph Benedict, who became a Professor at the University.

She graduated from the University of Wisconsin. From 1954 until 1956 and 1961 until 1963 she accompanied Ralph to India, where he worked to improve Engineering Education programs. During the 1960's, she was employed by the University to evaluate foreign student applications. Dorothy greatly enjoyed gardening, entertaining, bridge, travel, reading, and her family. She and Ralph traveled extensively in Europe, the Caribbean and Asia, and spent an active retirement in Tryon, N.C. and in Santa Cruz, Calif. In Tryon, N.C., Dorothy helped a Loatian family adjust to American life. In Santa Cruz, Calif., she volunteered at the Art Museum of Santa Cruz County, Calif. She created Ikebana flower arrangements for Dominican Oaks. The residents' flower garden was dedicated The Benedict Garden' in recognition of the couple's efforts. She was a member of PEO, Santa Cruz Bonsai Kai, the First Congregational Church, and AAUW.

Dorothy is survived by two daughters, Barbara Brown of Idaho Falls, Idaho and Carol Vesecky of Palo Alto, Calif.; a son, Bruce Benedict of Lynchburg, Va.; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister, Ruth Miller of Racine. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; a son, Thomas Benedict; and a brother, Orrin Stauss.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, October 11, 1997, at 10 a.m., in the Benedict Garden at Dominican Oaks. Arrangements are by Norman's Family Chapel through membership in the Funeral and Memorial Society of Monterey Bay, Calif. Memorial gifts may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 9850 Monroe Avenue, Aptos, Calif. 95003 or to First Congregational Church, 900 High Street, Santa Cruz, Calif. 95060.

Source: http://journaltimes.com/news/local/obituaries/obit-dorothy-olive-be...