It is with a sweet sorrow that I convey the passing of Joan W. Benham, 1936-2018.
A native of New England, her last few years she resided in Boulder to be near family. Even before she lived in state, she always enjoyed visiting Nederland for the friendly folks, the natural environment with hikes and wildlife, and the unique shops and products that she considered better than stores in the city.
I have been touched by how many friends and neighbors here know and remember Joan, and how warmly people made her feel at home here even if they had just met her and she could barely walk or talk anymore. Joan loved places with lots of nature, children, and kind people.
She always beamed like a kid when she got to spend time up here in our little town.
Thanks to all who shared themselves and their lives with her, and their compassion with me.
My loss is softened knowing that her last day was filled with the sight of conveniently early peak foliage in one of her favorite places.
By Laurelyn Sayah,
Daughter, Nederland
