Obituary index

Marie Alma Bertoni Benedict

[January 03, 2018]  BOCA RATON FL — Marie Alma Bertoni Benedict, 102, passed peacefully on Dec. 24th, 2017, in Boca Raton, FL.

Obituary

Marie Alma Bertoni Benedict, 102, passed peacefully on Dec. 24th, 2017, in Boca Raton, FL.

She was the second oldest of five children of Mr. & Mrs. Rinaldo (Pauline Rigali) Bertoni, born in Mount Pulaski on March 2, 1915.

She was a graduate of Mount Pulaski Township High School in 1933, and the University of Illinois in 1937. She married University of Illinois graduate of Mechanical Engineering, Roger Benedict, moving eventually to California, where they raised their two children.

In 1953, Marie won a national contest to name the theme of the 65th Rose Parade – out of 6,000 contestants. Her theme, "Famous Books," gave float builders a wide variety of ideas to use in building their floral masterpieces. Marie got to ride in the parade and enjoyed attending the Rose Bowl game later in the day with her mom, who flew in from Mount Pulaski.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Benedict, daughter Bonnie, and four brothers: Samuel, Albert, Renny, and Waldo.

She is survived by her son, Tom (Liesbeth) Benedict and their three children; two nieces and two nephews.

Submitted by son, Tom Benedict, via nephew, Phil Bertoni