Molly A. Benson

Molly Benson kept her family in the center of her heart. She always thought of others before herself, and each day she tried to bring joy into the hearts of the many people she loved. She devoted her life to her husband and children, and in their company a familiar smile always brimmed over her lips.

With the end of the Second World War, thousands of young soldiers returned to their civilian lives back home. They formed families of their own, and the Baby Boom was soon underway. In Dayton, Ohio, William Branigan and his wife Lois Hoke were among the many expecting parents. On November 23, 1949 they were blessed with the healthy birth of their daughter Molly.

The second of seven children, Molly grew up in Dayton with the company of her brothers, Pat, Dan, and Sean, and her sisters, Colleen, Erin, and Kathy. While their mother tended to the house, their father provided for the family through his job as an investigator for Friend of the Court. The Branigans lived in a small three bedroom house. With so many children, this was quite the squeeze. But they were a tightly-knit family, and their house provided the setting for many wonderful memories.

Like her siblings, Molly received a Catholic education. After graduating from high school she enrolled at Mundelein College, later became Loyola University, a women's college on the Northside of Chicago. During her junior year she spent a semester abroad in Switzerland, where she worked in a chocolate factory and learned how to ski. Upon returning to Mundelein, she focused on her studies in French and English. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree.

Molly met the love of her life at Mundelein, a handsome young man named Oscar Robert Benson III. He was a guest student from an all-boys school in Minnesota. When he was evaluating his exchange options, he spotted Mundelein, an all-girls college in Chicago. This was an opportunity that he couldn't pass up! He eagerly enrolled at Mundelein, and after a few days on campus he noticed Molly. They began dating and soon fell in love. After a romantic courtship they were married in 1972.

In 1977 Molly and Bob started their family with the birth of their son Oscar Robert IV. Two years later, they welcomed the birth of their second son Ryan. Molly was a devoted mother and homemaker. Her children were her greatest priority, and she worked hard each day to ensure their happiness.

The Benson family frequently moved around the country. Bob worked as the Vice President of Operations for K-Mart, a job that required him to live in different parts of the country for short periods of time. Molly was extremely devoted to the education of her children. Her sons attended many different schools: some were excellent, some were not. During the summers, Molly made sure that her boys were ready for the next grade level. They spent countless hours together, working on flash cards and math studies.

Shortly after the birth of her second son, Molly began experiencing problems with basic muscle functions. For example, she could not raise her eyebrows and she didn't have the hand strength that she wanted. She was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Unlike many strains of the disease, hers became active in adulthood. Despite physical limitations, her assertive and direct personality kept her as active as ever. She could hold her own, and she never allowed anyone to be wronged under her watch. She could even keep football players in line!

On September 13, 1994 Molly's life changed suddenly with the passing of her husband. Shortly afterward, she moved back to Ohio to be closer to her family. Her disease continued to affect her muscles. In 2005, she adopted a helper dog named Duncan who assisted her in everyday functions. In addition to being a great help, he was also a wonderful companion.

In July of 2006, Molly moved to Plainwell, Michigan to be near her son Ryan. She was thrilled to learn that he and his wife were expecting their first baby. Their due date is in March, and Molly was just as excited as Ryan and Holly. She attended the baby shower and eagerly looked forward to meeting her grandson.

Molly regarded her family as her greatest treasure. She was extremely proud of her sons, and she cherished all the time that they spent together. She was a patient mother with a tremendous love for her family. Among the many people whose hearts she touched, she will be greatly missed and frequently remembered.

Molly died peacefully on February 12, 2007 at Bronson Methodist Hospital, after a short battle with pneumonia. Learn more about Molly, view her life story film and visit with her family and friends Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Homes, RDMG, Plainwell, 120 S. Woodhams. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday at 11:00 at St. Margaret's Catholic Church; 245 Court St., Otsego, Michigan. Members of Molly's family include her sons Oscar Robert Benson IV & Trisha Werder of Royal Oak, Ryan & Holly Benson of Plainwell, her father William Branigan of Ohio, her siblings Pat & Linda Branigan, Dan Branigan, Colleen & Phil Wiedemann, Erin & Bob Detrick all of Ohio, Kathy & Jack Wagoner of Maryland, Sean & Lisa Branigan of Florida, her brother-in-laws Fr. Richard Benson of California, Randy & Val Benson of Minnesota, her sister-in-law Cathy & Steve Rayburn of Idaho and many additional relatives. Please visit Molly's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory, sign her register book, or make a memorial donation to Canine Companions.