Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Martha Benedict Obituary
By Shanna McCord - Santa Cruz Sentinel
SANTA CRUZ -- Martha Benedict, a longtime Santa Cruz resident who helped blaze the trail for acupuncture, died from pancreatic cancer Dec. 19. She was 68. ...Read more.
Memories and Condolences
for Martha Benedict
73 Entries
Ellen Adams
December 24, 2024
Still think of you often. I remember so many things you taught me, and I´ll often share with others saying "Martha Benedict taught me this". Then I´ll sometimes ask, "Did you know Martha?", then say a little something I lovingly remember. I miss you and your wisdom. Rest in peace.
Patricia
August 16, 2020
It was in 1995 that I met Dr. Benedict. I was on medical rest due to what eventually would result in a partial hysterectomy. I was 30. I believe her healing saved my life - before and after.
She was deeply caring - yet, her no-nonsense tell-it-to-me straight approach was what I needed to hear.
I have just learned of her passing. I left the area in 1997. I researched again today to offer her contact to a friend in need and I came across her obituary. I am saddened. I also deemed from her life and work, she lived life to the fullest. Condolences to her family and all who called her a friend, healer, and mentor.
Marilyn Masick
December 24, 2019
Marti. I think about you a lot. And hope your remaining family members are doing well. I am glad we had some time to see each other as we aged. I remember all your advice. And cherish your memory.
Leslie Jordan
January 11, 2015
Many years ago, as a young single mother in Santa Cruz, I took my son to see Martha, and then later myself. She accepted Medical from me even though I suspect she never got much for it. Her wisdom stretched beyond the acupuncture and I consider her the first major healer in my life. I decided to look her up after nearly 30 years to thank her for her help all those years ago and am saddened to hear she has passed on. She continues to touch those of us who knew her.
Elaine Finesilver
December 15, 2014
I just now read about Marti and her passing. The world has lost a truly pure soul and healer. We met in 1974 at Bernard Jensens Hidden Valley Ranch and in Taos N.M. as young and eager woman in search of cutting edge healing techniques. Marti far surpassed many of us with her expertise and ability to relieve pain in others with such compassion and caring. She will truly be missed as one of the greatest healers of all time. Elaine Finesilver Nutritionist and Spiritual Psychologist, Aspen, Colorado
Ginger Ashworth
September 27, 2014
Martha, oh Martha, what a strong light you have . . . I took care of the little Klemp children while Martha worked with her patients during the late 1970s. She was such a loving wife and mother. This world is blessed to have had her presence for so many years, and a sadder place without her strength and mastery. Love to all the Klemps . . .
Joan Anderson
February 28, 2014
I just this minute learned of Martha's death. I knew her in the late 70's and 80's when she used to come into The Way of Life where I was the herb department manager. I remember her great sense of humor and her depth of knowledge and compassion..
I came across her A Pocket full of Posies in a pile of stuff at the store here in San Clemente where I now work educating people about healing with herbs and whole foods.
I had come to the computer to go on her website to see what was in her lymph oil and this came up. I loved learning about her work with the monarchs.
She was an amazing woman and I know is deeply missed by all the family she has left.
My heartfelt blessings and love to you all.
Tracy Glenn
December 11, 2013
Just learned of Martha's passing and I'm still shocked. I moved from the Bay Area a few years ago and we haven't been in touch. Sending my thoughts to her family and friends. Martha was truly a gift in my life. Truly a gift.
September 18, 2013
This late entry is because I just learned of Martha's passing. I learned she had died when I was doing a small imitation of her for my current acupuncturist. Martha would always run over time, so she conscripted her office person to remind her of the time. Once, when she was annoyed by this, she pulled herself as up right as possible and retorted, "But I am doing good work!!"
I first met Martha when I was in school in Pasadena and she lived in a bit north. She was my first acupuncturist and helped me move beyond Western medicine to greater horizons! Martha helped our older daughter avoid surgery, and brought wisdom, love and healing to all members of our family.
I contacted a nursery to have them send us some Dutchman's Pipevine which we will plant in Oakland in her honor.
Kathy Sinsheimer
Maureen Rozenn
May 6, 2013
Martha's generosity--the way she taught me about Western and Eastern botanicals--I can only aspire as a teacher to give as much as she did. I remember Dawson making the Benedictine product label on his computer. I remember starting that line in Martha's kitchen, with herbs from her garden. The trials and errors that through her dedication became Benedictine Herbs. Thank you, Martha.
Dukh Niwaran Kaur Khalsa Whipp
April 15, 2013
I miss Martha so much. I had not seen her much lately but I knew she was there. Shortly before she stopped going to the office, I had a medical crisis and she came through for me--giving me multiple treatments in one day and helping me avoid surgery! I was so grateful. She and I were both caregivers and bonded over our situations. Over the years she shared nuggets of knowledge with me that I use all the time--like her recipe for roasting vegetables or the virtues of sprouted grains. She is greatly missed and my prayers go out to all her family, friends, and patients.
April 15, 2013
4/15/2013
Martha Benedict introduced me to traditional Chinese botanicals, how they worked in wonderful ways with traditional medical practices. She was an amazing teacher, dedicated doctor, friend to so many, with a first love in her husband, her children, her gardens -- PleaSE ACCEPT HEARTFELT SYMPATHY in her passing, with love and prayers for God's blessings,
Lovingly,
Mary Lynn Dutro, MA, CMP, 20825 Pamela Way, Saratoga,m CA 95070
Liberte Reinke
April 2, 2013
You inspired and taught so many of us to join you in the practice of Chinese Medicine.Thank You Martha for your light, your wisdom, your guidance and for gracing us with your love.
And to all the family my heartfelt sympathy and love for your loss.
Rachel Falk
March 25, 2013
I often reflect on my conversations with Martha. Greeting, sharing, practical, funny, engaging talks. Quiet sessions, helpful remedies, sound advice. And stil I find it helpful to ask myself, "what would Martha say?"
Sarah Rather
March 24, 2013
My heart goes out to Martha's family. Martha helped me in ways that enabled my body to search for healing, taking away blocks I had helped to put into place...for what ever the reason. I cried when I heard the news. Martha you were one of a kind and will be missed and celebrated by many.
Julie Graef
March 21, 2013
Like so many friends I was shocked to hear how fast Martha's cancer took her from us. She helped me in so many ways, ways that I didn't even have a chance to tell her. She will always be greatly missed. My heart goes out to her family who has lost an incredible soul. Thank you Martha and much love.
Akiko Minami
March 18, 2013
Oh, what shock!
I just found out today of Martha's passing.
I knew that she was ill and was hoping to bring her some soup and the time slipped by. I had no idea the cancer was so advanced.
My heart goes out to her family and community. Martha was an amazing healer and will be dearly missed. She has taken care of my physical and mental health since 2002, instilling the importance of healthy eating and of self-care. We talked about babies, parents, local politics, the food movement... Yet, it was her intuitive sense that I connected with so deeply. She just knew the bigger picture of what was going on. Right at the heart. So uncanny at times.
I wish Martha's family much love and healing in this trying time.
I feel so lucky to have known Martha and I am glad she is at peace.
We will all miss her.
Ellen Adams
February 18, 2013
To Martha's family, I am so sorry for your loss. Martha took care of me for about 15 years. I always looked to her for counsel as well as Chinese medicine, as that was part of the healing. I'm so sad to hear of her passing. Seems I saw her only a few months ago, and never would have guessed it would be the last. Dear Martha, you blessed our community with your presence and your wisdom, and now you are free.
Dawne West
February 2, 2013
Today was a shock, I did not know. I am truly saddened for your loss and the loss to our community. She will be forever remembered in our hearts.
The West Family
Melinda Lundgren
January 18, 2013
I am saddened to learn that Martha has passed. She has been a great and inspiring example for me. Always open and generous. She purchased the first work of art I sold from a gallery to hang in her office, and from then on, always made me feel special and remembered. Touring her garden and learning that she grew her own medicinal herbs, raised butterflies, and cultivated native plants for The Butterfly Project, captured my imagination. I continue to be shaped by my experiences with her, bringing Chinese medical wisdom and herbs into my own holistic profession and garden. She was a woman that got things done and did so with integrity. I deeply admire her for that. Thank you Martha and David for your generosity and for harnessing the potential we all have to create the change we wish to see in the world. You are loved.
Denise Arasin
January 16, 2013
Martha was a wonderful person and I will never forget the time she helped save my dying dog Wendell. With no transfusion dog insight I called Martha to see if she could help. She immediately gave me a homeopathy nutrition recipe with liver and my dog responded with in 24 hours and lived for 5 years after till he was old. Martha was always kind and always had time for others. I know she is in peace and will remain in our hearts and life styles forever!Ill never forget Martha and she has inspired me to go into her field. Blessings Martha!Love Denise
Santa Cruz Sunny Cove wingéd prayer
Corrina McFarlane
January 16, 2013
Martha was a wisdom-keeper elder in our Community. I felt like I entered the shaman's dwelling when she treated me; she treated me; my treat. Dear Martha, I hope you are still our wisdom-keeper, now with the Ancestors you so clearly knew all along, just now, free as a bird. Blessings on your flight and flights of fancy. Love, Corrina
Cherry Thompson
January 16, 2013
What a loss to Martha's family, many friends, patients and to the larger community. Martha (and her rolodex) were a terrific resource. Her holistic approach to paying attention to a person's mind, body and spirit and not just looking at one aspect of an illness enriched people's lives on many levels. She nurtured, but also empowered patients to take care of themselves, always educating and advising, especially in regards to nutrition. The five years I worked for her acupuncture office and herbal business were an ongoing effort to keep up with Martha. I would go home exhausted, but always felt as if I had done service for the greater good. What an amazing woman. My sympathy to her family and friends at this time of profound loss.
Francine Moody
January 14, 2013
I'm shocked right now that Martha Passed, she was a shiny light and I will always remember her! I'm very sad to know your no longer in our lives Martha. Dave, I've appreciated you as well and realize you must be hurting not to have her in your life as well! Please take care! Rest in peace Martha and you'll always be in our hearts!
January 10, 2013
Martha, you were truly one of a kind. Intelligent and kind. I thank you for all y our help over the years. You were a light in my life. To your family, I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Rest in peace
Aimee Washburn
January 10, 2013
Martha,you have been a mother to me for almost 20 years. Thank you for the profound influence you have had on my life. You will always be in my heart. To Martha's family, my deepest sympathy and love.
January 9, 2013
May the beautiful memories you have of Marty comfort you all during this difficult time.
Bill Smith
Middleburgh Class of '62
Robert & Joyce Roney
January 9, 2013
We were shocked and saddened to learn that Marty has passed away. She was a dear friend and fellow high school classmate. (Graduating from Middleburgh Central School, Middleburgh NY in 1962) We had not seen Marty in many years but had the opportunity to see and visit with her and family members when they were in Middleburgh this past summer.
Our sincere sympathy goes out to the entire family. The two family deaths; one of Marty and then one day and one week later her Mother Josephine.
We back here in the home town are very proud of all you accomplished. You truly left your mark in our world.
Marilyn Masick
January 9, 2013
I am so sorry, as well as quite shocked, to see this obituary. Martha and I have visited back and forth over the last ten years, and I have met most of her family in the process. In grade and high school we were always in competition which gave us a lifelong bond, I think. This competition spanned from playing flute, to being a part of the class newspaper to grades we achieved. We spent a lot of time together as children and then later after we both had married. Again, I am so sorry. To the family: I have also lost my brother this year, and several cousins so I think I can feel your pain. I will never forget her. A death like this is very leveling.
Dinner at Kate's
Ann Simonton
January 9, 2013
I send all my love and deep condolences to David, Dawson, Caroline, Maartje and all who loved Martha. She will be sorely missed by so many.
Michele Candia-Leonard
January 8, 2013
I was her patient, referred by another colleague, Tracy T. I am deeply saddened and shocked by her passing. My prayers and thoughts go out to her family, friends and extended colleagues in the community. She pioneered and contributed so much to making this town, this world, a better place. Blessings to all of you! Her spirit will live on in the tinctures she created and the butterfly species she sought to save...
peggy flynn
January 7, 2013
I am so sorry that I didn't see this until now (out of town). I went to see Martha when I first moved to town, 15 years ago, and I also loved to hear her sing when she was still with the Cabrillo Choir. What a wonderful, kind, informed and helpful person. So sorry I didn't get to say good bye.
January 7, 2013
I was surprised and saddened to hear of Martha's death--I will miss her in this world.
January 6, 2013
My sincere condolences to David and Martha's family. I have been graced with a deep connection of love, healing and laughter for 32 years. May Martha's spirit and blessings spread and continue.
David Paine
January 6, 2013
In addition to knowing Martha as a healer, I was lucky to work closely with her as a parent in my classroom. I was her son Dawson's first grade teacher at Westlake in the mid-80s. What a loving parent and great friend of mine through the years. I will miss her so much.
Ned Hoke
January 5, 2013
Condolences for David and family
Since sometime early I think in the '70's
such a fine friend, cheerful colleague.
Classes and hanging out with Miriam Lee
the political work about so many things
trying to make sense and space for this work
Using integrity, patience and insight she led by example
What a deep loss its been today hearing of her passing
imaging the suffering she must have held quietly inside
AS have others written we are so much richer by her life
and know thankfulness for all that's been. Farewell
Linda Hoeger-Thompson
January 4, 2013
Rest easy, Martha. You have been tip-toeing through my awareness the past few weeks and now I know why.
Michele D'Amico
January 4, 2013
I will always think of Martha as a kind and genreous person who lived her life with grace and dignity. I admired her a great deal
January 4, 2013
Martha….. my family has so many fond memories of you. You were so important to us at so many levels:as a healer, as a friend, as an inspiration. Your caring tender hands; the blankets and water bottles you would nestle us with in your acupuncture " loft" on Locust Street. the parties, the laughter, the butterfly garden…and your family!!! We will all miss you. The community will miss you. And your family must be missing their Martha, so much. So sorry for their loss.
Freya Sands
January 4, 2013
I am so sad! I remember swimming with Martha and her daughters and chatting in the hot tub at La Madrona. Later we visited at mutual friends homes and she sang with us. Further on, I watched her create a paradise along my daily walk route and loved the energy and vision it took to do that art. She will be missed in my life as a presence but I will hold her in my heart all the same. My sympathy to all the family and friends and folks she healed. She was and is a star in my world!
Peggy Williams
January 4, 2013
Martha was a gift to the community - always working to make it a more environmentally sound place to live. She always wove the practical with the esoteric in a way that truly worked for my health, and, I am sure, the health of many others.
Madelyn McCaul
January 4, 2013
Thank you, Martha, for enriching my health and spirit, and the world's, with your kindness and special gifts. Be in bliss, blessed one. Benedictus.
Elle Black
January 4, 2013
I first met Martha as a patient when I was 6 years old. Throughout the last 20+ years she has helped me through very tough times, simply speaking to her on the phone had a tremendous healing effect. Our paths crossed in many other ways in the community as well, and always when I think of her I see that ready smile and those sparkling eyes. I'm blessed to have had my life touched by an angel. Martha you will be ever so missed!
Jeremy Lezin
January 4, 2013
I fondly remember Martha from th "Pogonip days." We ran onto each other recently while shopping and there was no mention of a life-threatening disease. That was Martha: strong, fearless and kind to the end.
Mark Taylor
January 3, 2013
Martha was my friend and mentor. Whenever I was in Santa Cruz, I would schedule an appointment every day that she was in her office. I visited her home and walked with her in her neighborhood. She took care of her mother, she took care of her husband, she took care of her kids. Last September, I asked, "Who takes care of you?" Martha was a bright light, a vessel of vitality, a wonder. I am glad that she touched my life.
Bob Spisak
January 3, 2013
What a wonderful Woman. I enjoyed my sessions with her. She will be missed. RIP I'm glad you are not in pain anymore. Love & Peace to the family. It is a big loss to our community.
Mary Moss
January 3, 2013
My heart goes out to you David, Caroline, Dawson, Josephine and family. I will miss Martha and am so grateful for the times she has helped me over the years with her wise healing gifts; her incredible energy, creativity and inspiration.
Thank you, Martha for being a beautiful shining example of a woman, healer, friend and devoted daughter to your mother. I am blessed to have known you. Deep peace to you.
January 3, 2013
i met Martha when i first arrived to Santa cruz in 1982, i had just arrived from NY to live here, I had been raised on anti- biotics my whole chidhood and became alergic to many of them from over use. I came down with namonia and she treated me with herbs and accupunchure, within two weeks I was up and around and feeling healthy again. I haven't had tomtake anti- biotics since and have stayed heathy due tomher teaching. It brings sorrow to my heart to find she has left us in body.....my love goes to her friends and family.. and know she will never be forgotten. , friends and family, Jim Durning
January 3, 2013
To Martha's Family,
I loved Martha's bright spirit, both intellectually and personally.
Deepest sympathy.
Richard Mick, Santa Cruz
Eric Reed
January 3, 2013
Dr. Benedict was an inspiration to me as a young university student, inspiring me to study first nutritional and botanical medicine and then to become an acupuncturist. When my child was ill with a terminal illness she showed us great compassion and support. Now as an MD finishing a pediatric residency, I still carry forward the lesions learned from her into my practice of medicine. It is fitting that my daughters and I were taking a break from weeding our own butterfly garden that I learn of her passing. I am sure her husband and children carry her spirit in there hearts.
Sincerely,
Eric Reed
Jeff Stone
January 3, 2013
My condolences to David. I used to be a patient of Martha's and I used to work with David at Sun. Martha was a remarkable woman and an important member of our community. I'm very sad to hear of her passing.
Michele Swanson
January 3, 2013
I was introduced to Martha over 20 years ago, when she was practicing in a small room in the back of her home. I was ill & she the cure. Our relationship grew over the years & to know me was to also know Martha... As our family knew no other healer from then to her death. I know her wisdom will continue to guide our family in all matters concerning Heath & Love.
Cyndi Silverman
January 3, 2013
Martha was an important part of our health and healing when we lived in Santa Cruz. I still hear her voice in my head with health and diet tips. My husband Julian loved Martha, she was his favorite healer. He also passed away from cancer at 68 years old. The good ones die to young!
January 3, 2013
Thank you Martha for the comfort you brought my father during his terminal illness, for the dignity you allowed him.You took me through some of the most trying times of my life and restored my health. It was your gift, healing others. You are missed so much.
Janet Borges
January 3, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Martha's passing. She was an inspiration to me when I was in acupuncture school and beyond, even hiring me once in 2005 to work at a trade show in Atlantic City with her. She was an infinite source of joy and humor and a trailblazer for our profession. Her luminescence will stay with us forever. Prayers and blessings to Martha's family.
Alisa Keesey
January 3, 2013
Martha was a great person with so much enthusiasm. I had the opportunity to travel with Martha a few times and see her beautiful garden. I'm sorry that I didn't see her in a while. We met while selling natural pet products. My condolences to her husband and family. Alisa & Jon Keesey
Eileen Maceri
January 3, 2013
With sorrow, I just learned today of Martha's passing. She helped me immensely in my life through acupuncture and her far-reaching wisdom. Among many other things, we shared a love of Hawaiian music, especially that of Gabby Pahinui. A woman of goodness and knowledge, Martha's widespread influence in our world can never be fully measured. She deserves the highest reward that heaven can give. Aloha, Marty! Till we meet again.
Karen Cogswell
January 3, 2013
I knew Martha from assisting her and David with some financing on their home and we always had the livliest discussions about the economy and world events. Her mind was always questioning, learning and expanding. What a loss to us all.
Karen Cogswell
Donna Maurillo
January 2, 2013
I haven't seen Martha in some time, but I remember her telling me the story of how she took the name "Benedict." She was an amusing and kind person, and she's left her mark on the community. I'm sorry for the loss.
Nikki Wagner
January 1, 2013
Martha mothered me 25 years ago in her practice when I was virtually starving for mother love. She was a healer on all levels and gave so much of herself. A bright and loving woman so connected to the earth and people. I am in awe of her accomplishments - and so understated. We give a bow to such wonderful women trail-blazers.
Dan Dickmeyer
December 31, 2012
Martha was my acupuncturist ever since the days in the "barn" and I loved my treatments and all her wisdom. Visited her house. David taught her kid. Lots of sharing about family and life whenever we saw each other. One of the familiar people I missed when I moved in 2009. I can't believe she is gone.
susan spitler
December 31, 2012
Thank you Martha for enhancing the lives of those around you and sharing your healing message to all. Your neighbor, Susan Spitler
Susan Bedford
December 31, 2012
Thanks, Martha for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm about Chinese medicine with me many years ago when I worked in your clinic. Blessings to you and your family.
Heatehr Davis Desrocher
December 31, 2012
Martha was the most important person in our lives growing up. If anything was wrong my parents always said: "Ask Martha. Call Martha." Even after moving to the East Coast, Martha was always my first stop when I came home to CA. Even my children benefited. When my daughter was 3, Martha new that she needed Cortico B5B6. My life changed so much after giving it to her. Thank you for your love, support and wisdom. You will forever be in our hearts and minds, and although you left us way too soon, you gave so much that it will last us forever.
Ernie Wasson
December 31, 2012
Martha shared so much with so many. She took me to the Saso Herb Garden & Home, the Falafel Drive-In in San Jose and introduced me to Pipe Vine Swallowtail Butterflies plus so much more. Her garden is a wealth of beauty and medicinal herbs. We are all richer from her generous sharing of knowledge, enthusiasm and the love of life & health.
Me with the child you encouraged me to have years ago...
Ruthanne Holbert
December 31, 2012
Thank you Martha for the healing and knowledge you brought into my life. Thank you for the tremendous difference you have made in this world. Love you Dear Lady...
Kay Mendoza
December 30, 2012
I will miss you Martha. Words can't express how much you meant to my family and how much we have collectively learned from you over the last 20 years. You have been our healing angel in all of our lives and you will always live in our hearts and prayers. To Martha's family, thank you for sharing your incredible mother with all of us. Peace go with you ~
Judi Jensen
December 30, 2012
Martha ceaselessly shared her wisdom and knowledge; the planet has become a better place because she walked on it.
Terresa Lauer
December 30, 2012
What a gift Martha continues to be in our lives and the lives of so many. An incredible woman and healer, we feel so fortunate to have been under her care for so long. Sending love and blessings to all who are missing her. Om Mani Padme Hum.
Candace Brown
December 30, 2012
Martha was a woman of such fortitude and integrity in her work. I met Martha around 1980 and she showed me with pride her amazing attic office filled with herbs above her very busy small acupuncture clinic. I remember her saying it would take 20 years to become a master herbalist--she waited for many years until she felt she had sufficient knowledge to come out with her herbal line (Benedictine Healing Products) in the mid-90s...I believe she convinced Pasatiempo Golf Course to change their pesticide practices to protect her organic herbal garden....She was a humble woman with a hugh heart, especially experienced around her children. Her passing lights up the heavens and shines amongst all that are feeling such as loss...To her many colleagues, friends and family, Loving condolences, Candace
Malin Ashby
December 29, 2012
I just learned today of her passing and am so glad she talked to me about her beloved butterflies. Peace and Healing to her family.
Ani Stocks
December 29, 2012
Martha's light forever shines
Showing 1 - 73 of 73 results
Make a Donation
in Martha Benedict's name
How to support Martha's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Martha Benedict's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more