Carol Jane Benjamin

Carol Jane Benjamin passed away peacefully at home on March 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 24, 1934, in Newport News, VA, to the late Colonel Edgar R. Todd and Inez Waterworth. Carol was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Claude R. Benjamin.

She earned a degree in art education from SUNY New Paltz and began her career as an art teacher at George Washington School in Kingston, NY. However, her greatest passion was driving the school bus for New Paltz Central School, a role she cherished for 20 years.

Carol found joy in her garden, shared stories over tea, and cheered on her grandchildren from the sidelines. She loved baking for her family and enjoyed collecting and displaying her bone China teacups. Throughout her life, she was a dedicated animal lover and an active member of the local 4-H. She also contributed to meal preparations for the New Paltz Elks Lodge.

Carol was a devoted mother to Marc Benjamin and his partner, Elaine, Shari Raymond and her partner, Mark, Eric and Debra Benjamin, and Darlene and Joseph Alessi. She was the proud grandmother of Brian Benjamin and his wife, Rachel, Joseph Alessi, Brittany Alessi and her partner, Ralph Morgan, Kyle Benjamin, Michael Benjamin, and Robert Benjamin. Her great-grandchildren, Jaxson and Sienna Morgan, filled her later years with laughter and joy.

As the heart and soul of our family, she will be dearly missed. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no services. Instead, she requested that we all share a laugh and raise a glass in celebration of her journey home.