Mary Christina Benkovich

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Mary C. Benkovich passed away on Jan. 19, 2016 in Bellingham, Wash., due to complications of immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma.

Her siblings and family were blessed to be at her side when she gracefully and courageously departed.

Mary was born in Beloit, Wis. on May 11, 1942, the first of five children to Boris and Virginia (Goss) Benkovich. She was raised in Rockton, with her four siblings: Jim, Jeanne, Julie, and Alice.

Mary graduated from Hononegah High School in 1960 and attended the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater.

Mary began her career working in the medical field in Chicago for the next 35 years. Upon her retirement, she felt privileged to care for her father during his last years in Roscoe. Not long after, Mary resettled in Bellingham, Wash. in 2014.

Mary shared her love of nature, music, cooking, travel, antiques, art, and good books with family and her many dear friends.

She was a dedicated, loving, and protective sister and auntie. Mary could be described as vibrant, particular, warm, choosy, passionate, generous, loving, dedicated, whimsical, indulgent, and lots of fun.

Mary was predeceased by parents Boris and Virginia Benkovich of Roscoe, and a favorite uncle, John Benkovich of Beloit, Wis. She is survived by Jim (Mavis) Benkovich of Roscoe; Jeanne (Marcus) Carlson of Kalispell, Mont.; Julie (Tom) Benkovich of Puyallup, Wash.; and Alice (Jay) Shilhanek of Bellingham, Wash., and many nieces and nephews, primary and great, and cousin Jack (Harriet) Benkovich of Lewisberry, Penn.

A memorial celebration of Mary’s life will be held this summer in the Rockton area.