Sharon C Benjamin

Sharon C. Benjamin

Sharon C. Benjamin, 84, of Oxford passed away on May 13, 2024 from complications due to pulmonary fibrosis surrounded by her loving family. She is joining her beloved husband of 46 years, Kenneth Benjamin, Sr., as well as her parents, eight siblings, and her stepson, Steven Benjamin.

Sharon is survived by her children Cindy (Haji) and Sandra Christian (and their father, Claude Christian), Kenneth, Jr. (Lana), Jonathan, David, Michael, Merri, and Christopher (Rachel) Benjamin; dearly loved grandchildren Isabel, Hannah, Lukas, Ava, Kyle, Chelsea (Kenny), Jonny, Miranda (Alex), Kelli, Nathan, Katie, Thomas, Benjamin, Wes, Gabe, Ryan, Ciera, Cardin, and Seth; and four great-grandchildren Ellie, Kenny, Mia and Lillian; sister Janet Richer; sister-in-law Martha Benjamin; and many nieces and nephews.

Sharon was born at home in East Pharsalia, NY on May 2, 1940, to Ervey and Hazel Bush. Her mother sent her to kindergarten in the one-room schoolhouse at 4 years old because she kept sneaking there every day anyway. She graduated from South New Berlin High School at the age of 17 in 1957. She babysat in her home before working in the cafeteria at the Oxford Academy grade school and retired after many years of work at the New York State Veterans Home. 

She married Ken Benjamin on April 29, 1977 and lived next door to their dear friends (and matchmakers) Donna and Paul Wright for many years in Oxford, NY. Once the “kids” were grown, they bought mobile homes in both Oxford and Tree Lakes Park in Palmetto, FL, where they spent their winters. Sharon was lucky enough to have her dear friend Donna live next to her in the Bartle Lane Trailer Park.

Sharon held an unwavering faith in her Jesus. She was a member of the United Church of Oxford and the Family of God Methodist Church in Palmetto, where she sang in the choir. Over the years, she volunteered for many church activities for both congregations. If you ask her about teaching the 5^th grade Sunday School in the early 70s, she would have a few stories to tell. She was thrilled when her children joined her for church services.

She also spent many years as a hospice volunteer in both New York and Florida, and a Spanish-speaking pre-school in Rubonia, FL.

Sharon enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, and neighbors. She loved cooking, baking, and entertaining. She was well-known for her lemon meringue pie and her macaroni and cheese. Each of her children got their favorite dessert for their birthdays. She also baked numerous sweets and breads for her neighbors and families for Christmas each year. 

She loved to go for walks, read, bowl, and play cards to pass the time. Family and friends know that she could be very competitive and did not back down. She stayed away from political discussions for good reason.

Sharon said nearly every day that she was grateful for all the wonderful people that came into her life. Those people, family, and friends, know that she set the example.
 
 A Celebration of Life to be held on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the United Church of Oxford, 25 Main St. Oxford, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of Chenango County, United Church of Oxford, or Family of God Methodist Church, and the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.