Mary Jo Simenson Benson died after cancer fight

Mary Jo Benson died surrounded by her family and friends on February 28, 2003, at the age of 55, after a courageous fight against cancer. A memorial celebration of her life was held on March 15, 2003, at the First Lutheran Church in Alexandria.
Mary Jo was born on June 1, 1947, daughter of Melvin and Anna Mae (Martin) Simenson in Alexandria. After graduating from Jefferson High School, Mary Jo attended Concordia College in Moorhead where she received a BA in education. She began her teaching career at the American School in the Malagasy Republic (now the Republic of Madagascar).
Mary Jo returned to Minnesota and began teaching at Capitol View Junior High School and later at the Kellogg High School. In 1980 she received her MA in special education from St. Thomas College. She then taught at Ramsey High School in Roseville. Mary Jo’s last years of teaching were at Central Park Elementary and Emmet Williams Elementary in Roseville.

Taught children with special needs
Mary Jo taught children with special needs. She believed in every one of them, implementing many programs to meet the needs of her special students.
In 1990, Mary Jo began spending her summers in Alexandria and moved into her dream home on Lake Ida in August 2002. She enjoyed flower gardening, volunteering for the Humane Society and spending time with friends. She also enjoyed traveling and attending home and garden shows. She loved to feed and watch birds at her home. She also loved bargain shopping. Mary Jo was a member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake and then became a member of First Lutheran Church in Alexandria.
Mary Jo is survived by her parents, Melvin and Anna Mae Simenson of Alexandria; sisters: Connie (Terry) Brueske of Alexandria; and LuAnn (Larry) Johnson of Carlos; nieces; nephews; and many special friends.
(Obituary from Echo Press, via Beverly Roers Korkowski)