Barbara Todd Benson, a beloved mother and talented artist, passed away on July 17, 2025, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. She was born in 1948 in Passaic, New Jersey, and moved to Santa Cruz, California, in 1953. Barbara’s life was marked by creativity, family, and resilience.
Barbara attended Scotts Valley Junior High and graduated from Soquel High School in 1967. She furthered her education at Heald’s Business College. In 1989, she relocated to Santa Rosa, where she continued to nurture her passions and family life.
She is survived by her sons, Jeff Benson (Patti), residing in Henderson, Nevada, and Gary Benson (Shannon), living in Fresno, California. Barbara’s legacy includes five grandchildren: Nicole, Andrew, Lauren, Scott, and Dean, along with her great-grandson, Lukas. Barbara is also survived by her sisters, Laurie (Greg) from Portland, Oregon, and Nancy (Don) from Watsonville, California, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Marty and Vi Todd.
Throughout her life, Barbara had a profound passion for crafts, including sewing, quilting, crocheting, and gardening. Her creativity left an indelible mark on her family, with many treasured items crafted by her hands. Known for her quirky sense of humor, she maintained a positive outlook even amidst her health struggles, inspiring those around her.
In honor of Barbara’s life, private family services are planned on her birthday in Santa Cruz. Her family expresses that she will be forever loved and missed, with plans to plant living memorials in her memory.
Barbara Todd Benson’s enduring spirit and artistic contributions will be cherished by all who knew her, ensuring her memory lives on through the countless lives she touched.
