In Loving Memory of Mary Benson
A Tribute to a Cherished Wife, Mother, Mother-in-law, and Nana


Mary Benson (nee Sharples) was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, England in1938.

Mary was the beloved wife of Roy, together for more than 61 years. This year would have marked their 60th wedding anniversary, a milestone she was very much looking forward to celebrating with Roy and her family.

In 1967, their son Wayne was born and the family moved to New Zealand in 1972 to start a new chapter and had many happy times exploring its beauty through camping and caravanning, spending many holidays in Pauanui on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Mary loved her family and was a devoted mother-in-law to Michelle, always offering kindness and quiet strength, and a much-loved Nana to Ryan, Matthew, and Dylan, whose lives she brightened with laughter, love, and wisdom. Mary was thrilled to hear she was going to be a Great Grandmother to Ryan and Rebecca’s baby daughter. Family was her life focus and her greatest achievements.

Throughout her life, Mary showed remarkable strength and resilience, especially in the face of health challenges. On Tuesday, 19th August 2025, at the age of 87, her life’s journey came to a close.

This tribute page is dedicated to honouring her life, a life that continues to shine through the love, memories, and stories shared by those who knew her.