Elizabeth M. - age 96 - Española Bennett

Sunshine’s Journey\r\nDawning, Sunshine’s warm love glowed, a little sister\r\nteased to wake and ignite the gathering morn.\r\nBrothers three taught - oh such words to say, and how to charm and get away.\r\n \r\nSunshine\r\n \r\nwandered against the morn sun with eyes to life, and love, and learning,\r\nwelcoming the gift of children four; a Robin, a Melody, Brother true, with Joy to be.\r\nwatched them grow to dawn their own\r\nteaching lessons of generosity, grace, and constant wonder.\r\nSunshine\r\nby noon followed the sun to ocean west, through breezes strong and brisk,\r\n to share her heart and happiness.\r\nInstead she watched her partner stray then slip away\r\n grasping days remaining hard and firm,\r\nholding, holding on to resolve and grit and fortitude.\r\n \r\nSunshine\r\n \r\ngreeted dusk’s journey to crimson skies and mountains never ceasing to surprise\r\nin glorious snows and aspen glows, in greens and blues and quiet shows.\r\nHere she chose to claim her own in years of free and open mind\r\nto love the people, place and time.\r\n \r\nHer journey held the goodness close, always giving\r\nsoothing words of splendid beauty,\r\n thankful for provided comfort, loving, loving, loving on.\r\n \r\nSunshine’s journey’s end came calmly, with peace, resolve, unruffled dignity,\r\nheld in linking, loving arms to say, “Good Night, Good Night, until we dawn again.”\r\nBy Robin Rodar\r\n \r\nElizabeth McMullen Bennett was born October 17, 1917 in Riverside, California. Her 96 year long life’s journey took her from California to Arizona, New York, back to California, and then to Española. While in New Mexico, she lived near her daughter, Robin Rodar and her husband Sam; her son, Scott Bennett and wife Julie and their children, Max and Shaefer; her grandson, Jake Rodar and wife Shona and their sons, Kale and Rylan, until her journey’s end. When not spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, she was cruising the mountains, gardening, weaving, and supporting the Española Women’s Shelter and Habitat for Humanity. She often volunteered delivering and serving soup at the Española Soup Kitchen and helped in the libraries at Santa Clara Day School and McCurdy School. Along with her New Mexico family, Elizabeth is survived and dearly loved by her daughter, Joy Bennett; granddaughters, Joti Rodar and Lauren Mackson.\r\n \r\nElizabeth made many friends of all ages and walks of life wherever her journey took her. She will be remembered by all with a smile for her generosity and her joie de vivre.\r\nThe entire family wants to thank Helen Woods, her close friend and caregiver for many years, Santa Fe Ambercare and the Kingston Residence for making her final days with us happy and comfortable. The family of Elizabeth McMullen Bennett has entrusted their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley.\r\n

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