Frances (Miller) Benjamin's Story

August 14, 1920 - November 6, 2025

Age 105

Bellingham, WA

Frances Miller Benjamin, affectionately known to many as "Frannie" or simply "Grandma," passed away peacefully at home on November 5, 2025, in Bellingham, WA, at the remarkable age of 105.

Born on August 14, 1920, in Ashley, PA, Frances lived in Elmira, NY through more than a century of change with grace and resilience. She was the daughter of Anthony and Carrie Carrier Miller and grew up alongside her brother John Miller and four sisters: Carrie Carroll, Helen McWharter, Mary McCreight, and Ruth Rosekrans; all who predeceased her. Her early years in New York laid the foundation for a life marked by strength, independence, and deep familial devotion.

Frances married Mark Wilson Benjamin, Sr., with whom she shared a long and devoted partnership until his passing on June 20, 1982. Together they raised three children: Judith Ann Baumgartner of Fairborn OH, Charles Robert Benjamin (Rae Ann) of Bellingham WA, and Mark Wilson Benjamin, Jr. Mark Jr. preceded her in death in 1964. Frances also mourned the loss of her son-in-law Harold Baumgartner in 2006.

Throughout her life, Frances was known for her loving spirit and unwavering pride in her family. She was a devoted mother to her children and a cherished matriarch to an ever-growing family that includes 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Her legacy lives on through each generation she helped nurture.

A woman of quiet faith, Frances worshiped as an Episcopalian both at home and at Trinity Church in Elmira, NY and St. Peter and Paul Church in Bellingham, WA. Her spiritual life provided her with comfort and strength throughout the many seasons of her long life.

Frances found joy in simple pleasures. She had a lifelong love for sewing and needlepointing, crafts that allowed her to express both creativity and care for others. Watching tennis, reading books and watching her Kindle were other passions that accompanied her through the decades; these were constant companions that enriched her days.

Those who knew Frances remember her as fiercely independent yet deeply loving, a proud woman whose warmth extended across five generations. Her home was often filled with laughter, stories stitched into needlepoint or shared over family get togethers.

May the memory of Frances Miller Benjamin bring comfort to all who knew and loved her. Her life was a testament to endurance, love, and the enduring love of family.

Family and friends are invited to visit Walter J. Kent Funeral Home, 858 Lake St. at Washington Ave., Elmira on Sunday, November 16th from 2 to 4 pm. Her funeral service will follow at 4 pm. Fr. Robert Atkins will officiate. Interment will take place in Forest Lawn Memorial Park at the convenience of the family

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Whatcom Hospice, 2800 Douglas Ave, Bellingham WA 98225 or Catholic Community Services of Western WA, 1742 Iowa St, Bellngham WA 98229