Ann Benedict Obituary

Ann Benedict was a feminist, educator, and social activist whose passion for gender, economic, and racial justice led her to organize campaigns in support of the Equal Rights Amendment, establish a hotline in the Chicago Public Schools for victims of sexual abuse, and push for women's reproductive rights. She was also an accomplished flutist and an avid gardener at the summer home in Vermont that she enjoyed with her husband, their four daughters, and three grandchildren. Ann was born October 2, 1922 in Madison, Wisconsin. She attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and then Wayne State University, Detroit, where she received in 1944 a B.A. in education. She later earned a Master's degree from Roosevelt University in Chicago. Ann married Donald L. Benedict in 1947, and with him moved to New York City where they established the East Harlem Protestant Parish, working with poor people for adequate housing, better education, and police reform. In 1954 Ann and Don moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where they created the Inner City Parish, and in 1960 they moved to Chicago. Ann taught at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools nursery school, the Child Care Society, and in the Chicago Public Schools. She received a Recognition Award in 1986 from the Cook County State's Attorney for establishing a hotline for sexually abused and exploited students in the Chicago public school district. Ann is survived by her daughters Kennette Benedict, Sandra Benedict, and Susan Benedict, and by her granddaughters Sarah Casper-Davis and Agnotti Cowie. She is predeceased by her husband, Donald L. Benedict, her daughter, Ruth Benedict, and by her grandson, Orion Cowie. The memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 22 at 3:00 pm at St. Pauls UCC Church, 2335 N. Orchard St., Chicago, IL 60614. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to your favorite charity or cause in memory of Ann Benedict."" Arrangements by Cremation Society of Illinois, 773-281-5058 or www.cremation-society.com.