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Benjamin was a human resources director for Hudson Valley Tree, a local manufacturer of Christmas trees in the city of Newburgh, for 20 years. She then transitioned to a new career by getting an accounting degree and later supported accounting at the local CBS news affiliate WBTW.
In her semi-retirement, she became active in real estate, working for Chicora Coldwell Banker Realty. Benjamin was an artist, and she enjoyed making water color paintings for family and friends. She loved gardening, music, cooking, crocheting, reading and time spent with family.
Benjamin also was a history buff and had an unmatched knowledge of ancient civilizations. She also was very proud of her Italian ancestry and she enjoyed sharing family history.
She is survived by her children, Kim Brenner and husband John of Ringwood, N.J., Maria Perrius and husband Jon of Highland, Elizabeth Benjamin Jackson and husband Evan of Highland, and Anthony Pavese and wife Taren of Highland; grandchildren Alexa, Alyssia and Anthony Pavese Jr., and Ryan Patrick Perrius; sister Nancy Farina of California; former sister-in-law and friend Frances “Mary” Coyle and her husband Don of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and many nieces and nephews.
Benjamin was predeceased by her husband, Donald Benjamin; parents, Antonio Toni and Carmella “Millie” Farina (Ruggiero); brothers John Farina, Anthony Farina and Michael Farina; and sister Maria Farina Benjamin.
She loved gardens and nature, and therefore memorial donations can be made to her favorite garden and nature preserve, Brookgreen Gardens, Attention Wendy Belser, P.O. Box 3368, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, or by clicking here. For more information, e-mail Belser or call 843-235-6047.
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