Marlene Aldo-Benson

Dr. Marlene Ann Aldo Benson, age 80, beloved wife of Dr. Merrill Benson, passed away peacefully at her Indianapolis home on Sunday, November 24, 2019 surrounded by her devoted family.

Dr. Aldo Benson graduated summa cum laude from the University of Vermont School of Medicine. Marlene was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Alpha Omega Alpha honorary medical society. Marlene and her husband Dr. Merrill Benson relocated to Indianapolis in 1976 where she helped to found the Rheumatology Division at the Indiana University Medical Center. She was respected and beloved by patients and colleagues alike as a talented physician, teacher, and internationally recognized biomedical researcher. At home, Marlene was a loving wife and mother of four children, all of whom owe their success in life and faith in God to her endless reserves of love, patience, encouragement, and gentle guidance.

Marlene is predeceased by her parents, the late Edward and Geraldine Aldo and her brothers Pasquale and Edward. She is survived by her beloved husband Merrill and children, Douglas Benson (and wife Linda), Kara Rink (and husband Sean), David Benson, and Jeffrey Benson, and her three beloved grandchildren, Connor and Aidan Rink and Julia Benson. She is also survived by her loving sister Philomena and a large extended family. Her family and friends will celebrate her life in a memorial Mass at St. Monica Catholic Church on Saturday, November 30th at 9:00 AM. The family will receive visitors at the church one hour prior to the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Indiana University Foundation Aldo Research Fund.