Myrna R. Benedict, 81, passed away peacefully at home, where she was born October 23, 1932. She was surrounded by loving family and friends and now has joined her loving husband, the late Michael Stasiw. She will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know her.
Myrna was born to Elizabeth and Melvin Benedict and lived her entire life in Manlius, NY. She graduated from Manlius High School with the Class of 1949. She received an Associate degree in Applied Science from Orange County Community College in 1954, then followed with a Bachelor of Science degree, Cum Laude, from Syracuse University in 1956. She returned to Syracuse University and received a Master of Science degree in 1964. Myrna attained her teaching certificate in 1956 and began her teaching career in elementary education at Mott Road School in the Fayetteville-Manlius School District. She also taught at the Enders Road School and at other F-M district schools as requested, retiring in 1994. However, she was not ready to “hang it up”, and continued with substitute teaching and tutoring for another 10+ years.
Myrna showed kindness and gentleness to all she met. She had a beautiful smile and sparkling eyes. All who met her and were lucky enough to hear her many teaching stories went away with a smile and fond memories that they repeat to this day.
Myrna enjoyed good friends, good food and good times. She was a member of the Monday Evening Club; enjoyed gardening, reading, Bridge and telling stories; and was an avid SU fan. She volunteered for FISH and the Manlius Historical Society. Myrna was a devout member of the First Baptist Church of Manlius and a very special Sunday School teacher. Anyone who knew her will have memories that will put a smile on their face.
Myrna is predeceased by her sister, Janice Priest; and her brothers, Duane and Harold Benedict.
She is survived by a daughter, Rhonna (George) Proechel of Chateaugay, NY; a nephew, David Benedict of Milton, MA; grandsons, Eric (Betsy) von Dohlen of Cypress, TX and Bryan (Lindsey) von Dohlen of Columbus, GA; a great-grandson, Brayden von Dohlen of Cypress, TX; cousins, Peggy (Glen) Thompson, George (Kathy) Holden and Harry (Martha) Anderson all of Manlius; nieces, Jeanne Putney of Cazenovia, Mina (Robert) Penoyer of Fabius, Margot (Gerry) Roslund of Palm Coast, FL and Linda Griffith of Cazenovia; and nephew, Earl (Annette) Priest of Fabius.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 14 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Newell-Fay Manlius Chapel, 8171 Cazenovia Rd. (Rt. 92), Manlius. Services will be Saturday, August 15th at 10:00 am at the First Baptist Church of Manlius, 408 Pleasant St., Manlius. Burial will be in Manlius Village Cemetery.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Mott Road HSA - Christine Bracker Fund, c/o Mott Road School, 7173 Mott Rd., Fayetteville, NY 13066.