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Obituary: Benay Joy Rosenthal

July 28, 1944 – March 4, 2021

Benay Joy Rosenthal died in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on March 4, 2021, with her daughter Anna by her side.  Benay was born in Chicago, daughter of Edith Drell and Sidney Rosenthal. She spent her earlier years living in Chicago, raising her two children, daughter Anna Dumong and son William Dumong. It was in the late 1980”s that Benay found her own heaven on earth, Washington Island, Wisconsin, where she would make her full-time home for many years. Prior to her year-long illness, Benay moved to Ellison Bay, Wisconsin, where she lived with her beloved dogs, cats, and horses.

Benay loved plants, animals, nature, and traveled the world pursuing her dreams and photography. During her time on Washington Island, Benay owned a landscaping business creating and managing many of the Islands’ gardens and used her talents to beautify many prominent areas of the Island. She also ran Hoot Blossom Farm where she grew organic vegetables.  In addition to treasuring her own animal companions, Benay spent many years volunteering at The Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue Center, located on the Red Lake Indian Reservation in Northwestern Minnesota. Her love for travel and passion for nature and animals connected Benay with the Peace Corps where she would spend a few years volunteering in Israel and Africa. 

Benay was a free spirit, truly a one-of-a-kind unique being. She inspired strong loyalties, built meaningful relationships and knew how to ruffle some feathers, all while making you laugh along the way.  She moved through life with determined energy, full of passion.  Benay was a dreamer but also a doer. She was her own person, yet cared about many. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. 

Benay is survived by her daughter, Anna Marie Early;  her son, William Dumong; and her two grandsons, Michael Dumong and Daniel Early. A special thank you goes to William Borenstein, attorney, and close family friend to Benay for many years.

Memorials in honor of Benay may be made to Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue, 23880 S. Good Road, Trail, Minnesota 56684.

Benay’s friends will be notified of a memorial service to be held later in the Spring.