Marda Benson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the matriarch of our family. Marda died peacefully at her home on February 4th, 2025, just one day shy of her 93rd birthday.

She was born in Detroit, Michigan, to her parents, the late Ethel (née Lundgren) and Howard Jessop. She is the beloved wife of the late Dr. Paul Benson who passed away in 1971. She is survived by her nine children- Paul Benson, Jr., Kristin (Roman) Benson, Kara (Paul) Benson-Perez, Nels (Sonia) Benson, Maia (Katie) Burgoon-Benson, Lars (Kathleen) Benson, Per Benson, Maren (Charles) McKolay, and Kirsti (Udai) Rabban; proud grandmother of Paul (Katie) Benson, III, Morgan Benson, Krista Benson, Roman (Haley) Benson, Perry Benson, Paris Benson-Perez, Jack Benson, Brittany (Alex) Romano, Drew Benson Peters, Mara (Jeff) Baxter, Haley (Justin) Morrison, Riley Benson, Per Benson, Jr., Summer and Sydney Benson, Charles McKolay, Jr., Ava Rabban, Alexander Rabban, Vaughn Marda Burgoon, and eight great-grandchildren.

Marda’s educational journey began at Eastern Michigan University, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. It was there that she met her husband, Paul, the love of her life. They married while still in college, and she supported him while he completed medical school at the University of Michigan. After he graduated, they started their family and had nine children. Their love story was cut short when her husband died at the age of forty. Marda, left with nine children under the age of 12, was able to navigate through the pain and heartbreak and bravely start over. 

She went back to work and continued to be an advocate for education, using her knowledge to educate future generations, including teaching courses on racism and sexism at Wayne State University. In addition to her career in education, Marda made history when she was elected to the school board, becoming the first woman in Plymouth to hold that position. She spent four years on the board, the last two as President. Her leadership in this role established her as a trailblazer and a role model for many. She was outspoken in her beliefs, especially about education and gender equality.

At the age of 52, Marda made a bold career change, embarking on a successful second act as a real estate agent. For nearly 40 years, she was a respected and trusted agent in the community. Despite her accomplishments, what Marda truly enjoyed the most, was spending time with her family and friends, reading, and traveling.

Marda never turned down a vodka martini; up, a little dirty, with blue cheese olives, and rightfully earned the nickname “Mardini.”

Cheers to the Legend!

Visitation will be held at Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 S. Main St, Plymouth Michigan on Sunday February 16th from 4-8:00 PM. Funeral Service will be held on Monday February 17th from 10-11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial at Arborcrest Memorial Park in Ann Arbor.