Miriam Ellen Bennion Lee

Miriam Ellen Bennion Lee
1956-2020

Celebration of Life

Miriam Ellen Bennion was born on September 2, 1956 to Wilma Hunter Bennion and Dr. Theodore Clark Bennion in American Fork, UT. Miriam was raised in Provo, Utah, graduating from Provo High School in 1975; during her high school years she was active in debate and student leadership. By all accounts, Miriam was admired for her energetic spirit, diligent work ethic, optimistic personality and genuine compassion.

After high school she initially attended Ricks College, Brigham Young University and Utah State University, earning a B.S. in Elementary Education in 1983. During her college years, Miriam interrupted her college education to serve an LDS proselyting mission in New Zealand; on many occasions, she expressed her love for the faithful Māori people and praised their inspirational acapella choirs.  After her mission, Miriam continued to share her faith with friends and family.  

Miriam loved teaching children a wide range of academic topics including, mathematics investigations, language arts, and science education. She later earned a M.S. in Science Education from Regis University. She held teaching certificates in Utah, Colorado and Virginia and taught in these states.   

Miriam loved to learn! Perhaps her passion for education and greater understanding might best characterize her essential values.  She pursued these goals tenaciously in order to improve herself.  Aside from her formal education, Miriam read continuously, striving to understand principles of science, medicine, nutrition, music, cultures, history, art and the holy scriptures.  

On August 16, 2005 Miriam married David A. Lee in the Washington D.C. Temple, sealing their love for time and eternity. The couple had many common interests and enjoyed many activities that enriched their marriage: attending art galleries, concerts, theatre as well as outdoor sports: skiing and mountain-biking.  Miriam was a gracious host in her home at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and birthdays.  She warmly welcomed friends, extended family, stepchildren and grandchildren and created an atmosphere of love and acceptance in her home.  She loved her stepchildren and grandchildren, treating them as her own.

Miriam’s believing heart and forgiving nature exemplify her Christ-like character.  She practiced compassionate service, having an inspired sense for addressing others’ needs in the church and community.  She had special empathy for those who struggled with effects of mental illness or other disabilities.   Often, she would forego a Thanksgiving meal, and instead, she would serve meals at a homeless shelter.  Indeed, it may be said of Miriam, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord”.  Mathew 25:21.

Miriam is survived by her husband, David; Margaret Sykes, Martha Lagerberg (Peter); John Bennion; Gwen Wilcox (Steve); Calleen Egan (Bill); Ann Boody (Eric), Carolyn O’Brien; Mary Bennion, Ines Erickson (Dave). Her parents and brother Theodore (Teddy) preceded her in death.

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