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Nancy Benda Obituary
Nancy Tribble Benda died July 28 after a short valiant fight with pancreatic cancer. Nancy was born April 2, 1930 in Deland, Florida.When she was ten the family moved to Tallahassee. She graduated from Leon High and F.S.U. In 1950, she married Charles J. Benda (Chuck). She was predeceased by Chuck, a local architect, her parents Lewis and Hillis Tribble and her brother, James E. Tribble. She will missed by survivors, sister Carmean Tribble Johnson (RIchard), sister-in-law Betty Byrd Tribble, five nieces Lyn Tribble (Tim Mixter), Mary Carlton Tribble, Nancy Furr McGovern (Doug), Laurie Furr-Vancini (Jeff) and Julie Ann Hubbard and nephew Lewis H. Tribble (Susan), six great nieces and four great nephews, several first cousins, caretaker and best friend Jo Conte.
Nancy lived an interesting and productive life. As a teenager, she was one of the very first "mermaids" at WeekiWachee Springs, Florida, a job which earned her a trip to Hollywood to double for Ann Blythe in swimming parts in the 1948 movie "Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid". After graduating from F.S.U. Nancy began teaching in Gadsden County. Later she became "Miss Nancy" in "Miss Nancy's Store" , a forerunner to "Mr Roger's Neighborhood." The PBS show was syndicated from WFSU and was one of the earliest children's television shows.
Her career turned in yet another direction when she went to work for the Florida Department of Education. She was proud that she and her co-workers promoted equal opportunities in women's athletic programs in Florida schools even before Title IX was passed nationwide. For her part in this achievement Nancy was recognized by then governor, Lawton Chiles. Nancy also earned a number of awards for her work in equity, including the Rosa Parks Award for Leadership from Florida State University. From 2008-2009, Nancy served as President of Zonta, an honorary club for University Women.
Nancy chose to be cremated. A family memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in Nancy's name to either the Riley House Museum 419 E. Jefferson St.Tallahassee, FL 32301 or to the Tallahassee Memorial Rehabilitation Center 1609 Medical Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32308.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Benda
Doug McKeown
April 14, 2016
So sorry to learn belatedly of the death of this wonderful woman, a cousin whom I met once (memorably) at a Tribble family reunion. She just shone! Rest in Peace, Nancy.
Janet Balanoff, Seminole State College
September 3, 2015
Nancy Benda walked the walk every day. She led the state's educational system through troubling times in civil rights, doggedly and cheerfully championing the Florida Educational Equity Act to completion. She named my children Equity and Parity and always inquired about them. Her values live on. What better memorial for her family than her work to help countless others? Rest in peace, Nancy.
August 8, 2015
Nancy was my the person chosen by my parents to be my legal guardian if anything happened to them. I always thought of her as a rock star because she was a mermaid and in the movies. Growing up I had time to talk to her and loved her stories about her life and all the things my father did as a child. I will miss her and her laugh. Nancy made a great contribution to many lives and to the world. A hole in the universe opened when she left this earth. Rest well for we have memories to keep you in our hearts
Laurie Frost
August 6, 2015
What a fascinating person she must have been, and a mermaid at that. So sorry for your loss.
Helen Webb
August 5, 2015
Sincere condolences for your loss of Nancy. She was a very caring and 'special' lady. I'm blessed that she was my friend and sister Zontian.
Mona Snowden
August 5, 2015
I met Nancy in 2001 when I moved to Tallahassee from Miami. It was a privilege to be included at many family dinners at the home of Nancy's brother Jim and his wife Byrd, a long-time friend of mine from Miami. She was a lovely lady and it was fun getting to know her. Condolences to all the family.
Mona Snowden
Lu Vickers
August 3, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. She was a great help to me when I wrote Weeki Wachee City of Mermaids--in fact, she was one of my favorite former mermaids of all time, even though I know she thought I was silly to think of her as a rock star. I wish I had had a chance to say goodbye in person.
Shanna Williford
August 3, 2015
To Nancy's Family - I am so sorry to hear about Nancy's passing. My Father, Marvin Andrews was a friend of Chuck's, and I met her through managing her lovely rental home for the last 12 years, a former residence of hers on Maple. We always loved to hear from her and she was such a joy to work with. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Chuck Bush
August 2, 2015
Ms Nancy was my first grade teacher at Sealey Memorial in Tallahassee. She was my favorite teacher and I kept in touch with her thru the years. This is a tremendously sad moment for me.
August 2, 2015
I knew Nancy through James, her brother, who was a classmate and friend of mine. I always admired Nancy when she swam at WeekiWachee. I remember her as kind and friendly.
Pat Turnley Roberts
Yvonne Newmans
August 1, 2015
Love to Carmean and family. I know you will all miss Nancy terribly. Rest in peace knowing she is in a better place. She has left a beautiful legacy for all her family to be proud of.
Charlotte Cooksey
August 1, 2015
To Nancy's dear family, although I hadn't seen Nancy in many years, we shared some wonderful memories. I worked for her husband, Chuck, about ten years. During this time I became aware of her many talents. I admired her very much. During this time she often mentioned her beloved nieces and nephews. She was so proud of you all. You are in my thoughts and prayers for comfort and strength at this difficult time.
Mary Garvin
August 1, 2015
A big loss to Florida, the USA and Nancy's caregivers. She will be missed.
Shirley Farmer
August 1, 2015
What an extraordinary and angelic woman. I will always cherish her compassion, gentleness, and deep loving concern for others. Nancy was my supervisor at the Department of Education. May the God of all comfort, grant her family and friends power beyond what is normal during this time of sorrow. - Shirley Farmer
Mary Garvin
August 1, 2015
A big loss to Florida & the USA. She will be missed.
Roberta Maddox
August 1, 2015
Nancy was a kind and caring lady who brought out the best in those around her. Peace be with you.
July 31, 2015
What an amazing woman. She led an incredible life and left an indelible mark. So proud of all she did for women's sports. Sally Butzin
Rev. Leatricia Williams
July 31, 2015
Jackie Robinson's quote, "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives" epitomizes the legacy of my former FDOE colleague. Nancy did a great work to help improve the quality of life for others and stood steadfastly in her beliefs; to this I honor her the most. May her works, life and memories remain in the lives and hearts of those who loved her and celebrate her life/memories. Well done, a good servant; now, rest from your labour. Thank you so much!
Steve Edwards and family
July 31, 2015
Please our sincere condolences..
Dr. Reginald Ellis
July 31, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the Benda family during their hour of bereavement. I have known Ms. Benda for the past three years as a board member of the John G. Riley House. Ms. Benda served with grace and dignity throughout those years of service. Inasmuch, she will be greatly missed by all on the Board.
Deidra Chisholm
July 31, 2015
Thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of sorrow. May you find comfort in knowing she is no longer in pain. God's blessing!
July 31, 2015
Carmean - Was so sorry to hear of Nancy's death. Know you are in my prayers. Lets get together when you are in town, I miss seeing everyone. Our numbers are getting fewer and fewer! Love, Melanie
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