Mrs. Virginia M. Benac
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Mrs. Virginia M. Benac

  • July 23, 2012
  • Annapolis, Maryland
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John M. Taylor Funeral Home

147 Duke Of Gloucester St
Annapolis, MD 21401
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Memories & Candles

“Mrs. Benac taught instrumental music at Parole Elementary School where I attended. I played cello and spent much time with her during my years at...Read More » ”
1 of 14 | Posted by: Amy Cheston McMonigle - Annapolis, MI

“I have many memories of Aunt Ginny. She brought an "impish" energy to all our family gatherings. Her laugh was truly melodious. I so enjoyed the...Read More » ”
2 of 14 | Posted by: Sylvia Wallace - CA - Niece

“Mrs. Benac taught my son violin, first in her home and then at Severn House until his death. He always loved his violin lessons with her and spent...Read More » ”
3 of 14 | Posted by: Clare and Stephen Harig-Blaine - MD

“Pete and family, Our prayers and sympathy to all of you on the passing of your mother. ”
4 of 14 | Posted by: Madonna and Mike Chernesky and family - MD

“Dear Susan, Peter and all of Ginny's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.. I found out about Ginny's passing in...Read More » ”
5 of 14 | Posted by: Jacki and Matthew Dixon - MD

“Dear Susan and family, I would like to offer my sincere condolences at your Mom's passing. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. ...Read More » ”
6 of 14 | Posted by: Danita Metcalf - Pasadena, MD

“May I extend my sincere condolences to your family on this loss. I will never forget Mrs. Benac who taught me, and so many other young students, to...Read More » ”
7 of 14 | Posted by: Debbie Rosen McKerrow - Annapolis, MD

“Dear Peter, Michael, and Susan, I was so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I will always remember her contagious laugh and the warmth that...Read More » ”
8 of 14 | Posted by: Dina (Reddy) Malone - Rockville, MD

“Mrs. Benac taught me how to play the violin from 1963-1966. I still remember how to hold the violin, the bow and what position my elbow should be in...Read More » ”
9 of 14 | Posted by: Shelly L. Parker - Ridgely, MD

“Dear Susan and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Ginny's passing. She was one of a kind ! Please know that you are in our loving thoughts. Carol...Read More » ”
10 of 14 | Posted by: Carol and Phil Patterson - MD

“Dearest Ginny, What a pleasure and an honor to have known you. I am glad to have so many cherished memories of times spent with you and I will...Read More » ”
11 of 14 | Posted by: Catherine (Una) Sheehan - MI

“To Susan and family, My sincere condolences to you at this sad time. I have always thought highly of Ginny as a violinist and a teacher, and I so...Read More » ”
12 of 14 | Posted by: Lorraine Combs - Millersville, MD

“We love Aunt Genny as much for the inspiration she gave to her family and students as for the legacy of her strong faith. One of The most compelling...Read More » ”
13 of 14 | Posted by: Dom & Pat - Winona, MN - Nephew

“Mrs. Benac was a unique and fun individual who brightened many lives with her music. She will be sorely missed. With hopes for peace and much love...Read More » ”
14 of 14 | Posted by: niki crawford - Millersville, MD


Virginia "Ginny" M. Benac, a 71-year resident of Annapolis, died July 23 in her daughter's home of complications from cancer.
She was born in Howell, MI, earning a Bachelor's degree in music from Eastern Michigan in Ypsilanti. From 1958 to 1984, she was a music teacher (strings) in Anne Arundel County Public Schools.
Ginny was a highly accomplished, professional violinist, and a member of many orchestras, including the ASO. She was a popular freelance musician in both classical and popular venues, often entertaining local audiences as a strolling violinist with her signature improvisational approach to playing. She was a marvelous pianist, having the unusual gift of being able to play, with full harmonization, any tune that she heard.
She was committed to the far-reaching value of teaching young children to play musical instruments. Since no string program existed in 1958, she volunteered to coach students. Her success led to the creation of the string program in Anne Arundel County.
She taught violin, viola and cello in elementary schools from 1959 until 1984. A few years later, she was responsible for expanding the eligibility age for entering the program to third graders. She also had a large private violin and viola studio, and continued to teach until her illness. As a testament to her inspiration, many of her students have gone on to become music teachers and professional performing musicians.
Ginny was a member of the American String Teachers Association, and the Musicians Union of Baltimore.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore J. Benac, whom she married in June 1941. He died in 1997.
Her survivors include her sons, Peter Benac of Bowie and Michael Benac of Indianapolis, IN; her daughter, Susan Benac of Crownsville; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A Visitation is planned from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, at John M. Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis. There will be a Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, July 27, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 109 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis. Burial Lakemont Memorial Gardens, Davidsonville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 445 Defense Highway, Annapolis, MD 21401.