Marilyn Harder Benz

Marilyn Harder Benz, 77, Fishers, IN -- It is said a great teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others. By the time Marilyn “Maggie” Benz accepted an eternal dance invitation from her beloved Edward, there was little left of a physical body. But the lighted path left for the lives she touched will continue, brilliantly bright forever.

Maggie grew up as an only child in a home marked by hard work and selflessness, two traits for which she herself would be known. She met the love of her life one New Year’s Eve nearly sixty years ago, and the pair is instantly agreed that together, and always in Christ, they would tirelessly and selflessly raise a big family. Indeed, they did! Six Children, 12 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren.

Maggie was a loving, doting mother, yet always instilling a sense of responsibility and independence. But she was not just a mom. She was, in equal parts, an amazing chef, seamstress, tutor, author, editor, organizer, singer, follower of traditions, and storyteller. And her generosity knew no boundaries such as family. A professor, a counselor, an event planner, a devoted member of her church, a volunteer, a nurse to name a few - Maggie approached everything with an excellence and extravagance that put all on notice she lived fiercely and intentionally.

A lifetime of words could not begin to describe the impact she had on the world around her. Maggie would describe herself as a child of Christ and that she surely is. We will remember her most as a teacher – our teacher - generously lighting the way for others. Once while explaining the works of Picasso to one of her children, she quoted the artist: “the meaning of life is to find your gift; the purpose of life then is to give it away.” Maggie found her gifts and relentlessly shared them with the world. She will be missed dearly.