METHUEN – Ellen Shirley Benedict, 80 of Methuen passed away Sunday May 10, 2015 at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston after suffering a brief illness with her family by her side.
Shirley was born in Salem, NH and moved to Methuen at the age of 12. She was the daughter of the late Donald M. and Margaret (Grant) Menzies. She was a graduate of the Edward F. Searles High School, Class of 1952. She worked for Kay Jewelers part time for 10 years and then retired as manager of Scott Jewelry after 27 years.
Shirley was a member of the Credit Women of America and a member of the NRA. She was a Cub Scout Troop leader from St. Monica’s Church in Methuen and enjoyed helping with the White Eagles Drum and Bugle Corps. She also enjoyed traveling, dancing, para-sailing and playing 45’s.
She leaves her husband of 58 years, John Benedict of Methuen. Three sons, Richard of North Carolina, Ronald of Tennessee and Robert and his wife Marge of Methuen, MA. Shirley also leaves her daughter, Rhonda and her husband Steve Majkut of Methuen. Four grandchildren, Tanya and Stephen Majkut, Vanessa Oppenberg and husband Chris, Jarod Dwinells and fiancé Jess; three great-grandchildren, Nadya and Leo Oppenberg, Ethan Dwinells and many cousins. Shirley was predeceased by her daughter Robin Benedict and her brother Joseph Menzies.
Shirley’s family would like to offer a special thank you to the Doctors and Nurses of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Neuro ICU for all the help and compassion they provided.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Lawrence General Hospital 1 General St. Lawrence, MA 01842 or to a Charity of One’s Choice. Visiting hours for family and friends will be Thursday from 4:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, Inc., 233 Lawrence Street Methuen, MA 01844. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 11:00a.m. in St. Lucy’s Church in Methuen with burial to follow in St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Lawrence, MA. For directions or to send online condolences please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com
The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is honored to assist the Benedict Family with the arrangements.