Sister Alice Roberta Benzing, CSJ, 101

Sister Alice Roberta Benzing, CSJ, 101, died on Nov. 16 at St. Joseph’s Provincial House in Latham. Sister Alice had long expressed her desire to live past her 100th birthday.

Sister Alice (Dorothy Louise Benzing) was born on Jan. 29, 1921, the daughter of Herbert and Alice Marsden Benzing. She had three brothers, Robert, Leo and Charles, and two sisters, Florence St. John and Mildred Lagoe. After completing her elementary and secondary education, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in Troy on Sept. 15, 1939. Sister Alice pronounced her first vows in 1942 and made Final Profession on Aug. 15, 1945.
Sister Alice completed a bachelor’s in mathematics and a master’s in education at The College of St. Rose. For 28 years, Sister Alice taught in the middle schools, junior high and high schools of the Syracuse and Albany Dioceses. In 1968, Sister Alice was assigned to Hawaii. Initially Sister Alice taught math and science in the junior high schools of Kailua, Honolulu and Oahu. She also brought her love of working with young people and her desire to share with them a love of liturgy in pastoral ministry. She ministered in the RCIA programs and worked with students to prepare liturgies. She contributed her artistic and needlework skills to the preparation of liturgical banners for special celebrations. In her banners, she was inspired by the distinctive quilting developed by the women of Hawaii.

At the time of her Golden Jubilee, Sister Alice spoke of her joy of being surrounded by the beauty of a multicultural church, living with members of the congregation and being encircled with incredible natural loveliness. In 2012, Sister Alice returned to St. Joseph’s Provincial House to “retire.”

Sister Alice is predeceased by her parents and siblings. However, her large extended family, who will miss her presence at their yearly gatherings, will continue to celebrate her life and stories. Sister Alice’s niece, Sister Mary Alice St. John, her nephew, Leo Lagoe, her dear Sisters of St. Joseph friends, and all those who have come to be with this vibrant woman of God will continue to treasure her legacy.

Sister Alice’s Funeral Liturgy was celebrated on Nov. 22 in the Chapel of St. Joseph’s Provincial House. Contributions in Sister Alice’s memory may be made to: Office of Mission Development, St. Joseph’s Provincial House, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, N.Y., 12110.