Ann Benedict Obituary

Ann Durr Benedict

Ann D. Benedict passed away peacefully Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, in Austin, Texas with her her husband and two children by her side.

She was born in March, 1945, in Tiffin, and excelled at all she did, becoming one of the highest ranking clarinetists in the state. Her grades then got her into The University of Michigan (Go Blue!!), where she obtained a BS in nursing and a husband, both in 1967. She practiced that nursing profession in a maternity ward in Evanston, Illinois until a totally unexpected but welcome son, Michael, arrived in 1969. In the early '70s, continuing to support her husband's quixotic, but ultimately successful quest to become a professional astronomer, she moved to Austin, Texas. Daughter, Sarah (also unexpected and welcomed), came into our lives in the mid-70's. After our children were in school, she returned to nursing, working for some years in the office of our pediatrician, Dr. M Cohn. She retired early when kid lifting became too much.

Ann loved her children, her husband most of the time, her dog Trixie, dancing at the Oasis above Lake Travis, the nursing profession, travel (especially Hawaii and Caribbean and Alaska cruises), plain food, a good Mai Tai, Michigan football (Go Blue!), Christmas time, the four houses we owned over the years in Austin, and particularly, the beach. She also passionately believed in democracy, glued to CNN any day she could, and deeply regretted not being able to vote for Kamala Harris this November.

The family thanks the many physicians, who over the years worked to keep her fully engaged in life, including doctors Mangione, Vinta, Klocek, Dano, Zeibert, and Winston. During her last months, Dr. M. Sheth at Seton Main Hospital provided compassionate care while never sugar coating the information she required. The staff of Hospice Austin (nurses Kyle Voss and Van Tran) and everyone at the Christopher House made Ann's last days more bearable for all of us.

She leaves behind her husband, George F. (Fritz) Benedict, Michael Benedict and partner Stacy Nielson, and Sarah Benedict and fiancé Brian Steele.

Ann was preceded in death by many years by her parents, Dwight and Jeanette Dutrow.

The family will have a private celebration of life at a later date.

Should you wish, donations in her name to causes you love would be suitable memorials.