In Memoriam

Evelyn M. Benjamin

NORTHPORT—Evelyn M. Benjamin of Northport passed away on June 19, 2023 at Huntington Hospital in Huntington, New York. She was born on May 14, 1927 in Oneonta, the daughter of Myron M. Wiest and Elsie V. (Grant) Wiest.

Evelyn graduated from Oneonta High School, Class of 1944, before going on to State Teacher’s College at SUNY Oneonta, Class of 1948. She taught elementary school for 30 years, retiring after 25 years at Pulaski Road School, East Northport, New York. She started a tradition of musicals at the school and enjoyed mentoring new teachers.

Evelyn was baptized, confirmed and married at Atonement Lutheran Church, Oneonta. She was a long-time member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, East Northport, where she was a Sunday school teacher, sang in the choir and filled in as an organist. She started the bell choir at the church.

Evelyn sang in the Northport Chorale, which was started by her husband, Carlton, 41 years ago. After retirement, she and her husband spent winters in southwest Florida, where she enjoyed staging musical reviews in their retirement communities. Evelyn’s beautiful voice and joyful disposition will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughters and their husbands: Elaine (Rich Rosner) of Vestal; Pam (Don Woods) of Northport; June (George Hart) of Punta Gorda, Florida; six grandchildren: Christopher and Heather, Jessica (Liam), Kellie (Jonathan), Sara (Stephen), and Katie (Zack); and four great-grandchildren: Sierra, Ava, Sterling, and Aria; as well as many friends and former colleagues.

In 2013, Evelyn was predeceased by her husband, Carlton, with whom she shared 65 happy years. She was also predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Violet and Willard “Bill” Hanson.

Calling hours are at 11:00 a.m. on July 7, 2023 at Atonement Lutheran Church, 1 Center Street, Oneonta, followed by the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be at 10 a.m. at Oneonta Plains Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Atonement Lutheran Church, 1 Center Street, Oneonta, NY 13820; the Northport Chorale, PO Box 55, Northport, NY 11768; or a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are by Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta. To send an online condolence, please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com.