Obituary: Grace Troutman Benson

Grace Benson of Haddonfield, died on March 31 at the age of 83. 

She was the wife of the late Dabney Brooks Benson, beloved mother of Grace Benson Robinson (David) of Haddonfield, dear step-mother of Steven Benson, Brooks, Benson and the late Diana Benson, cherished grandmother of Andrew Benson, Christian Benson and Jacob Robinson, loving sister of Emeline Hunter of Haddon Township and treasured aunt of William Hunter and Lori Hunter Curry. 

Grace graduated from Vassar College in 1959 and was active in its alumni association. She began a career in banking as the Trust Officer at Pennsylvania National Bank. 

After starting her family, Grace became a substitute teacher for many years. She was a longtime past president of the Pennsauken Parent Teacher Association, former vice president of the Second Region of New Jersey, as well as past president of the New Jersey State PTA.  

Grace earned her master’s degree in Divinity from Eastern College and became the Minister of the Riverside Methodist Church. After passing the mandatory retirement age for senior clergy, Grace joined Haddonfield United Methodist Church in a part-time capacity. Additionally, Grace was an avid master level bridge player, member of the Lions Club of Camden, as well as a member of both the Merchantville and Tavistock Country Clubs. 

Grace’s family was to receive friends on April 6 from 10 a,m to 10:45 a.m. at the Haddonfield United Methodist Church, 29 Warwick Road. Her service will follow at 11 a.m. Entombment was to follow at Locustwood Cemetery in Cherry Hill. 

In lieu of flowers, please honor Grace in her mission to end hunger by donating to the Food Bank of South Jersey, 1501 John Tipton Blvd., Pennsauken, N.J. 08110  (www.foodbanksj.org).