Mary Jane (Czekala) Benson

Mary Jane (Czekala) Benson, 79, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on May 8, 2025.

Mary Jane was born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin on July 28, 1945 to Victor and Elfrieda (Kletzein) Czekala. She was a graduate from Lincoln High School, with the class of 1963. On October 16, 1965, she married Barry C. Benson at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Marshall Site in Manitowoc, WI (formerly known as St. Mary’s Catholic Church). After they married, Mary Jane and Barry moved to Wilmington, Delaware where they made their home and raised four children.

Mary Jane loved animals, especially her cats, and cherished time spent with her family. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She described her marriage as being a beautiful gift blessed in Heaven, and her children represented the greatest wealth she possessed.

The reach of Mary Jane’s love and influence extended beyond her family. She was devoted to her faith and her community. Shortly after arriving in Wilmington, she met her dear friend, Joyce Lennon, who invited her to join a service sorority. As a member of that group, she brought joy when she visited and shared craft projects with children at the A.I. du Pont Hospital. She was a Girl Scout leader for many years and served as a member of the board of the Valley Brook Swim Club in Wilmington, where she also ran the snack bar. One of the original “hot dog ladies” at St. John the Beloved School, she was a frequent volunteer for school and parish events. She worked as a teacher’s assistant at the Richardson Park Intensive Learning Center (ILC).

One of her true passions was working as a childcare provider at the Western YMCA for over 20 years. “Miss Mary Jane,” as she was affectionately known, would lead craft projects with the children, encouraging their creativity and self-confidence. Several of those children and parents remembered her fondly and over the years wrote letters of warm gratitude and praise to Miss Mary Jane thanking her.

Mary Jane was an excellent cook and hostess who welcomed family and friends to her home for many delicious holiday meals. She enjoyed passing down family traditions and incorporated Polish customs into her family’s Christmas holidays. She was a warm, kind and thoughtful woman who talked as easily with strangers as with old friends, and she was a good friend to many. Her smile, laugh, generous spirit and good company will be greatly missed.

Mary Jane is survived by her husband of 59 years: Barry Benson; children: Renee (Derek) Burrows, Joseph (Pamela) Benson, and Mark (Jennifer) Benson; grandchildren: Joseph, Katherine and Liam Benson; and brother-in-law: Richard (Cecelia) Benson. She was preceded in death by her daughter: Jeannette Benson; parents: Victor and Elfrieda Czekala; brother and sister-in-law: Gerald (Betty) Czekala; and father-in-law and mother-in-law: George and Hanna Benson.

A funeral service to celebrate Mary Jane’s life will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025 at 1:00 pm at St. Francis of Assisi, Marshall Site, with Rev. Jason Blahnik officiating the Mass of Christian Burial. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Monday, May 19, 2025 at the church from 11:00 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm. Mary Jane will be laid to rest at Uecker Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank accentCare Hospice for the care Mary Jane received during the last months of her life.  Special appreciation to Christine and Chantal for their kindness.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer location, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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