BENJAMIN, Betty A.  Betty A. Benjamin, age 96-years, of Toledo, Ohio, died peacefully on November 11, 2024, in her home (Glass Peaks).  Born Betty Anita Simon in Youngstown, Ohio on June 21, 1928, to Bernard and Fannie Simon.  Betty received a B.Ed. from the University of Akron and a M.Ed. from the University of Toledo and, while first teaching home economics, she spent most of her 30-year career teaching elementary students, primarily at Nathan Hale Elementary School in Toledo, apart from a short period, during which she taught elementary-age special needs students.
Betty married Willard L. Benjamin (may his memory be blessed; of Akron, Ohio) in 1949 and, together, they had two sons, Alan and Steven (Kathy). Betty had a special relationship with her grandson, Jacob
Although raised in an Orthodox Jewish home, Betty and Willard joined Congregation B’nai Israel when they moved from Akron to Toledo in 1959 and later transitioned to Temple Shomer Emunim.
Betty loved to play bridge, even until near her final days, to read, and to stay informed about current events (she voted absentee in this year’s general election).  Along with being a career woman and raising her two children, Betty made a point to be of service to family, friends, and her community. She served as the Youth Commission Chairwoman at B'nai Israel, was active in her congregations’ sisterhoods, as well as, with ORT (the Jewish educational network for children in need)—and served in multiple ORT leadership roles including chapter president.  After becoming a widow, Betty organized and hosted several Passover seders for women like her, who also were single. Mom continued to stay involved with others by delivering meals to seniors through Mobile Meals for over 20 years. She did this well into her 80s, frequently with help from her grandson Jake. 
Betty loved to stay active and fit.  She usually attended exercise classes (at a club or her facility) five or more days each week until shortly prior to her passing.  While teaching, she often walked (weather permitting) over a mile to and from school and, when she was 60-years old, she helped her son, Alan, move his home from Atlanta to North Carolina—driving the moving van the entire distance.
Services and interment will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday November 13th, in Historic Woodlawn Cemetery alongside her departed husband, Willard.  Following services there will be a lunch and reception at Temple Shomer Emunim from noon until 2:00 p.m. on the same day.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Temple Shomer Emunim, the Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo, Ohio Living, or an organization of your choice.