Elizabeth Marie Benrud
Elizabeth Marie Benrud
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Sam Foltz
August 5, 2007
Words cannot describe how much Beth meant to me, especially during our time together in New Zealand. I have 4 sisters who I am very close with but while we were away for several months, Beth was another sister to me. We shared so many memories and I will miss her so much. I kept a journal in New Zealand and on one of our last nights overseas, I was with Beth when we were saying goodbye to our friends over there. I wrote "Beth, when you cried tonight in the car, I saw your strength. Your love was so strong for something no one will ever understand except you." - I will never forget Beth's smile, her adventurous spirit, and my heart goes her family, and everyone who has connected with her. God Bless.
Pamela Page
August 4, 2007
Dear Becky and Bruce,
I will never be able to imagine the depth of your loss and the saddness in your hearts at this moment or forever on. What I can imagine, however, is how wonderful it would have been for us to have Beth in our family and our lives, as she surley would have been had this terrible accident never occurred. We are honored to have been chosen to be in her dreams of the future. Those dreams will never die. She has touched us all in ways too great to ever fade with time.
Erin Ramsey
August 2, 2007
To the Benrud Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. I too met Beth through Jill Westberg. Though I only met Beth twice, her love for travel and adventure were evident. I know she was a great friend to Jill and will be missed dearly.
Maureen Kennedy
August 2, 2007
My son is Matt Kennedy, one of your daughter's fellow students at UMD in the education program. He has had so many wonderful things to say about her and her sparkling, supportive personality and her enthusiasm. He also was so pleased to be part of the honorary pallbearers; that was a beautiful gesture. Matt told me about the large numbers of people who attended and together we marveled at the power of one young woman and all the lives she touched. You must be a very special family. My sympathy to all of you and prayers for peace and comfort.
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Ming Rattanavongkoth
August 1, 2007
My deepest condolences to the Benrud family. I also met Beth in New Zealand, and the wonderful memories will always remain. She never failed to seize any opportunity to live life and not take anything for granted.
Mike Balow
August 1, 2007
Becky and Bruce, Molly and Brad, we will all miss her. She was one of the 5 who sat on the couch with her long black hair. She lived life to the fullest. You will certainly miss her, but you can be very proud.
Emma Lockett
August 1, 2007
I just dont know what to say or where to start. I lived with Beth at the hostels at Waikato University in N.Z. My favourite memories with Beth was up at my beach house where all we did was laugh. Beth was a great friend in all ways possible. truely beautiful. Im going to miss her lots. In our hearts until forever. Love Emmy
Kersten Westberg
August 1, 2007
The Benrud Family,
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your daughter. Beth was introduced to our family by my sister Jill Westberg, who studied in New Zealand with Beth. Beth was an amazing person, so full of life. She will be greatly missed. I know that Beth would have been an amazing teacher.
In Sympathy,
Kimberley Higgison
July 31, 2007
Benrud Family,
I am truly sorry for your loss,Beth is one of the most amazing people i have ever met and i know that she will be greatly missed here in New Zealand.
I will never forget the way her smile touched my heart, the way she lit up a room with just her presence and the way a hug from her would dry all tears.
Beth will always be my favourite American and i will always love her.
Lisa Fisk
July 31, 2007
I was immediately drawn to Beth the moment I met her in New Zealand on exchange. Not only did she have a great smile and personality, but she is also one of the most genuine people I have ever known. She was also one of the most adventurous and I cherish every second that I spent with her. My heart goes out to everyone touched by this great tragedy. Beth was one of the best friends I've ever had and she will always hold a special place in my heart.
Sarah Fries
July 31, 2007
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I did not know Beth well - I had her position in the International Education Office before she did and helped her in preparation for her semester in New Zealand. As evidenced by her excitement to travel and her unforgettable smile, Beth was full of life and will be greatly missed.
Grace Eckert
July 31, 2007
Benrud Family
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your daughter. I can not express my sorrow to you. Our daughter Sarah was in the teaching program with Elizabeth. Among Sarahs' comments were
Elizabeths' big smile, beautiful blue eyes and her willingness to always help out as she was trying to tell me about her. Thank-you for letting them be honorary pallbearers, it was a gesture that meant alot to them. We will keep you in our prayers.
Jade Lee
July 31, 2007
My heart goes out for you! Beth and I met during the same study abroad, and meeting and knowing her was one of the experiences that made it so special. She was truly amazing, and I'll never stop missing her.
Jill Westberg
July 31, 2007
Dear Benrud Family,
Beth was one of the best people I've ever met. I enjoyed the time I was lucky enough to share with her in New Zealand, and back here in MN when we returned. She was an amazing girl. I loved the way she would smile & laugh when I would call her homie... Beth will always be my homie and I will miss her dearly.
Hanneke Notman
July 30, 2007
My deepest sympathy to the Benrud family. I am the mother of one of her friends, Alexandra Notman, and we are so shocked by your sudden loss, I only met Beth once last winter and immediately liked her. We will never forget her, and I wish you all strength.Alexandra is travelling back from Seattle to be there tomorrow.
Sue Westberg
July 30, 2007
Benrud Family,
Our sympathy to you in the loss of your daughter. Beth was a friend of our daughter Jill Westberg. Beth, Jill, Nicole, Michelle, Lisa and Susette shared a memorable semester in New Zeland participating in the study abroad program from UMD. They continued their friendship when they returned home, and our family had the good fortune of meeting Beth. She was a beautiful, happy, talented young woman. Beth was always willing to try anything. She spent time with us at our cabin, and we will always hold on to those memories. I wish there were words to comfort you during this very sad time. Please know that many people are feeling your pain, and praying for your family.
In Sympathy,
Sue, Dan (Ole), Kersten and Jill Westberg
Loni Lemmerman
July 30, 2007
Bruce, Becky and family. Our condolences go out to you and your family. I just learned of Beth's death via an e-mail from Vickie Schmidt. I was stunned and shocked to hear of the tragic news and great loss. The death of a child is heart-wrenching. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Larry and Loni Lemmerman, Mazeppa
Maria Vuldjeva
July 30, 2007
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I worked with Beth at the UMD International Education Office. She was a lovely person with the most wonderful smile. She will be terribly missed.
Linda Pichler
July 30, 2007
I worked with Beth at St. Brigid's at Hi-Park and she was an amazing young lady. Her smile and laughter would light up a room. She will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Victoria Steadman
July 30, 2007
Benrud Family,
I was a classmate of Beth's this past spring and enjoyed the many classes we had together. She was very nice and always thoughtfulto me and others. She had many great ideas for the classroom and will be missed by many of us. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Jennifer Tepley-Mahn
July 30, 2007
Dear Family, Friends and Relatives of Beth~
We want to extend our deepest sympathies to all of you during this emotional time. We met Beth when she watched Tom and Dawn Balows kids during the summers. She was ALWAYS willing to take the time to come over and talk with our kids. She was so filled with energy and excitement and always had a sparkle in her eyes. Her open heart and true compassion for life shown through during the times I spoke with her. She was a lovely young woman.
Sincerely~
Jennifer, David, Elliot, Madeleine, Chrisjon and Sophia Mahn
Maureen fahey
July 30, 2007
Benrud Family -
My niece, Katie Gieseke, went to school with your lovely daugher and sister. They were to student teach in Ireland together this Fall. Our family sends our prayers and thoughts to you. We know the sorrow and pain you are feeling will remain in your hearts forever. We pray that God will hold you in His arms and provide comfort to you. May your memories help sustain you through this terrible time. Know that many feel your sorrow.
Jim and Ange Baumann
July 30, 2007
Mr. & Mrs. Benrud,
We are deeply sorry for the loss of your daughter. My husband and I had only met Beth on two occasions; last Halloween and just the Saturday before her passing at Jill Westberg's cabin. And though we may not have known Beth well… she was a beautiful and highly joyful woman, who was so full of life that it will be her smile and all the fun she was having on the lake that Saturday that we will hold on to. We cannot begin to imagine the grief and sadness you are feeling and hope it helps to know that your daughter made a deep and lastly impression on both Jim and myself. We are grieving for your loss and you will be within our thoughts.
Kristi Fillbrandt
July 30, 2007
Beth will be missed by many, but we will always remember her bright smile. My deepest sympathy goes out to Beth's family and friends. Beth will always be loved and never forgotten.
Tim & Sherri Latterner
July 30, 2007
Mr. & Mrs. Benrud,
We are so sorry for your loss. One of our daughter's, Christie, best friends in Duluth was Beth's roommate. Christie has spoke of Beth before, she said she was very instrumental in her decision to transfer to UMD's Elementary Ed program. I cannot begin to comprehend the utter feelings of loss you must be experiencing now. We wish you well and know your memories of Beth will stay with you forever.
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