Photo courtesy of GEISEN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES
Crown Point, Indiana
Sally Jean Benson, 60, of Crown Point, Indiana passed away May 19, 2018 with her loving family at her side. Sally was born April 2, 1958 in Gary, Indiana to Dale Robert Benson and Dorothy Jean (Weber) Benson.
Sally was a graduate of Lew Wallace High School, Purdue University with a Bachelor of Arts and a Master’s Degree. She was also a Certified Fund Raising Executive. Her career began as an intern at WBBM-TV in Chicago. Throughout her career she held positions at WJOB Radio, Girl Scouts USA Calumet Council, American College of Surgeons, Illinois College of Optometry, American Medical Association, Catholic Charities, and other medical societies. Sally spent the early years of her career as a freelance model and actress in Chicago, and was a published author of the novel, “The Pop Star”. Sally was active with the Purdue Theatre Company in the 1980’s and also appeared in productions at the former Bridgeview Dinner Playhouse and Indiana University Northwest Theatre Company. Volunteer work included many boards such as Drifting Dunes Girl Scout Council, Chicago Council on Planned Giving, the Association of Fund Raising Professionals, Chicago Symphony Orchestra Associates, and Women’s Association of Northwest Indiana Symphony, and PAWS. Member of Daughters of American Revolution, Order of Eastern Star, National Committee on Planned Giving, Purdue Alumni Association, Theodore Thomas Society of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and a lifelong member and elder of the Presbyterian Church. She also was a member of the Michiana Choral Society choir. Sally enjoyed life and saw good in everyone. Sally had a great love of music, arts, theatre. Sally’s love of music led to violin lessons at a later age and she performed with the Printers Row Chamber Players.
Sally was preceded in death by her father, Dale R. Benson, her grandparents, Axel and Emily Benson, Cassie and Martha Weber, aunt Marie Brucks, uncles Tony Brucks and Cassie Weber Jr., sister-in-law Kim Benson. Sally is survived by her mother Dorothy J., brothers Robert (late Kim) and David (Donna), nephew Dale (Alicia) Benson, nieces Jennifer (Kenny) Williams, Kayla and Kelly Benson, great nephew Nolan Benson, and furry feline companion, Princess.
Visitation will be held at Geisen Funeral Home, 7905 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410 on Wednesday, May 23rd from 3 – 8 pm. Funeral services will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 7898 Taft St, Merrillville, IN on Thursday, May 24th at 10 am with Pastor Tim Reyna officiating. Burial at Calumet Park Cemetery.
Sally requested in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Humane Indiana, Independent Cat Society, or Northwest Indiana Symphony. To view directions and/or sign Sally’s guestbook, please visit www.GeisenFuneralHome.com. 219-769-3322.
I saw this today. I worked with Sally at turn style many years ago. I was 16 and I think she was 17. She was a kind soul. She had a good heart. She always helped me at work. Very sad. She was a bright light in my life and Im sure with many people.
Jose Martinez
May 19, 2020 | Coworker
I'm both surprised and sad to hear of Sally's death, especially having just visited with her recently at a Chicago Council on Planned Giving luncheon this spring. I worked with Sally as a consultant to the American College of Surgeons and my wife and I enjoyed seeing her at CSO events. She will be missed and I extend sincere condolences to Sally's family.
Payson Wild
May 29, 2018 | Evanston, IL | Friend
I am missing my dear friend very much. We met as colleagues and being fellow animal lovers, we hit it off immediately. She was smart, capable, talented, resourceful, and fun! Sally always conducted herself with the utmost integrity and held herself to the highest ethical standards. I admired her for that and try to live up to the same standards. Whether we met for coffee, lunch, or a longer outing, we had a great time gabbing and sharing stories and photos, and never ran out of things to talk...
Lori Osborne
May 29, 2018 | Evanston, IL | Friend
We are so very sorry to hear about Sally's passing. From the little time we knew her, she was a great person, who always had a smile on her face. Love & sympathy , Joe & Dawn Medellin
Dawn Medellin
May 27, 2018 | Friend
I was a young scout when Sally was with the Girl Scouts and spent many hours playing in offices while my mom, Debbie Bonner, was in meetings as a volunteer. Sally had such an imact on the young lives around her. I for one was always made to feel valued and special. I only hope that I am able to pass that impact onto others half as well as she had. Words cannot express how thankfull I am for the presence she had in my life. My thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.
Kathey "Mascot" Bonner Krenz
May 23, 2018 | Portage, IN
We will miss seeing Sally walking or biking around the neighborhood. It was always a pleasure to stop and chat with her. Sally's true love of animals was evident in the way she would greet and pet our golden retriever, Coogan. Our deepest condolences to the Benson family .
Mike & Donna Daugherty
May 23, 2018 | Crown Point, IN | Neighbor
Sally was my dear friend of 45 years and my heart is so heavy. We laughed, cried, shared dreams, supported each other and cheered each other on for all of these years. I will truly miss her! I am praying for the blessing of healing of spirit for her family and all the people this sweet woman touched. Heaven truly has a new angel.
Marcus Geeter
May 23, 2018 | Merrillville, IN | Friend
Dear Benson Family,
I was so sorry to learn of Sally's passing. I knew Sally as a dedicated and generous member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra family for over twenty years. She was a lovely, kind and generous woman. Many of us on staff remember her fondly and are so saddened by her death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sally will always be a part of the CSO.
Warmly and with sympathy,
Allison Szafranski
Director of Leadership Gifts
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Allison Szafranski
May 23, 2018 | Chicago, IL
Sally was one of a kind, a genuine caring and loving person with a wonderful spirit. Having done a show together at Purdue I have never forgotten how beautiful she was both inside and out. May God bless all of you with his peace and healing during this difficult time.
Jeanette Geisen-Jancosek
May 23, 2018 | Munster, IN | Acquaintance