The Linda Susan Benson Memorial Fund was created as a gift to St. Matthew Lutheran Church by June and Ray Benson to honor their daughter, who died suddenly at the age of four. The fund’s purpose is to support the congregation as it shares its gifts with those who might be sustained and changed by timely support, and to return to God is some small measure the abundance that He provided through the life of Linda Susan.
Linda Susan was born on March 23, 1954. She was welcomed by her two sisters and, in a memorable way, by her brother who upon meeting her pinched her nose. Her parents knew immediately that Linda Susan would hold her own in this family of strong and active children even when three more brothers came along.
In her four short years, Linda Susan shared with those around her an unmatched zest for life. She was kind, sweet, loving, funny full of hope; and she tackled everything she did with excitement and energy. Her big brown eyes were often full of mischief; you could tell by looking at her that she wouldn’t let you be still for long. She loved life, and she touched everyone she met in a special way.
The gifts in her memory can bring hope, joy, smiles, and laughter to those who receive them in the same way that Linda Susan brought those gifts to the lives of all of us who knew her. She would be so proud to be remembered in such a special way. It is through the generosity of people giving in her memory that the ministry of St. Matthew has the blessings of building, maintenance and full time pastoral leadership, that have allowed for constancy of service to the Itasca community. A child shall lead them – and Susan has!
