Margaret "Peggy" Ellen Benjamin

Margaret “Peggy” Ellen Benjamin passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 9, 2026, surrounded by family, following a short battle with brain cancer. She is preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Sara Jane Kelly; sister, Catherine Anco; brothers, Michael and John Kelly; and son, Robert L. Benjamin.

Peggy was born December 7, 1950, in St, Paul, Minnesota to a large and loving family. She graduated from St. Bernard’s High School in 1968 and received her cosmetology license shortly thereafter. Peggy did not practice professionally as a beautician, but her skills came in handy throughout her life.

In 1972, Peggy met and married Rob Benjamin. Together, they raised four children. Peggy enjoyed spending time with her family and playing with her kids. Whether it was kickball in the backyard or snow sledding in the winter, she always created fun memories and good times for those around her. This remained true with her grandchildren, who kept her busy and amused with activities like “free wheeling,” reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, and watching movies like Megamind.

In 1994, Peggy earned her nursing degree from Inver Hills Community College. She went on to work for a number of years with CDI, a job she quite enjoyed. Once retired, Peggy continued helping people, including ailing loved ones and her grandchildren. She loved staying at her rustic cabin and traveling to new places with her husband. Despite this busy schedule, Peggy made everyone around her feel special. Her kindness and generosity poured effortlessly from her being, never wavering in her dedication to those she loved. She was passionate about taking care of people, and it was something she was very good at. Her affection will be remembered, and her warmth will live on within those closest to her.

Peggy is survived by her husband of 53 years, Robert M. Benjamin; children, Sarah St. Germain (Jeff), Maggie Sukha (Tony), Joe Benjamin (Samantha); daughter in-law, Laura Inda; grandchildren, Amanda, Jack, Mia, Luke, Priya, Sonya, Alex, and Claudia; siblings, Eileen Wegleitner and Dennis Kelly; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11AM with visitation beginning at 10AM, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Church of St. Rita, 8694 80th St. S., Cottage Grove, Minnesota 55016. Private family burial to follow at Cottage Grove Cemetery, Cottage Grove, Minnesota. Peggy loved a good party, and it was her wish to throw one last celebration for her loved ones. Please join us for lunch and fellowship at Hastings Golf Club & Events at 1PM. Honor Peggy by sharing funny stories and fond memories, and, as she would have done, by having a good time.

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