Alison Benjamin

Alison Benjamin, was born on December 15, 1940, in Bronx, New York to her late parents, Abraham and Virginia DeLardge. She was raised with her siblings, Edward, Abraham, Jr., Eleanor, Howard and Lillian. 

As a child, Alison knew the bible very well. She was quick to learn and attentive in her studies. Alison became a bible scholar before the age 14. She attended Grace Gospel Church (Bronx, NY) under the leadership of Reverend Dr. H.A. Bente. While attending Grace Gospel Church, she was chosen to participate in a young bible scholars contest which aired on national television. She and her partner placed First Place! In addition, she learned modern interpretive dance from a former dancer of the late great Katherine Mary Dunham, matriarch and queen mother of black dance. Alison took those gifts and taught her sisters and friends. Annually they would share their talents of dancing and perform for patients at a NYC hospital. 

Alison was educated in Bronx, New York where she attended and later graduated from Evander Childs High School. She furthered her education by attending Bronx Community College and would become a Registered Nurse in 1973.

Alison's nursing career was marked by her commitment to providing exceptional care. She worked at Lincoln Hospital, Nurse Referrals Inc., and Harlem Hospital, where she held various roles such as Nursing Supervisor, Hospital Administrator, and Lactation Consultant. One of her proudest accomplishments was leading Harlem Hospital to become the FIRST hospital in NYC to receive the prestigious Baby-Friendly certification in 2008, the largest municipal health care system in the nation. Her dedication to promoting breastfeeding among women of color left an indelible mark on healthcare practices in NYC and beyond. Alison touched the lives of many through her work and her numerous contributions to her community as seen by the many awards received.

Alison met her husband, Russell Benjamin through neighborhood friends. They spent a lot of time together at Grace Gospel Church, during the summer months. The couple were joined in holy matrimony on November 3, 1961 in Bronx, NY. They enjoyed family reunions with a big Labor Day gathering, ending the night playing double dutch and spending time with family and friends. To this union, Sharlene LaTriece Benjamin and Shawn LaNiece Hampleton were born. Together, they brought the DeLardge and Benjamin families together in celebration.

Alison was Alison as we all knew her. Her favorite sayings included "Kiss Kiss", "Girlfriend/Boyfriend", "That a girl pearl", and "Get the knife". She had 5 Wishes. She let it be known, that all that cared for her, "please do not touch my body until I am fully aware of your presence". For comfort, Alison wished to have heated wipes for her personal care. Alison was a woman of prayer and relished prayers from others. Alison wished for her family and friends to think about what she was like before she became ill and to remember her in this way after her death. She wanted her loved ones to know that she has forgiven them for when they may have hurt her. As well as any inequities that she may have bestowed upon you, “please forgive me” and I have forgiven you.

Alison enjoyed traveling, shopping, dining out, dancing, and choreographing waltz routines. She joined a group of a group of activist mother’s who became founders of the first child care center of the community; Throggs Neck Child Development Center, where she served as President of the Board of Directors for the center. When the family relocated to Spring Valley, NY in 1979, Alison immediately became involved in the Spring Valley NAACP and the National Council of Negro Women. She was a Board Officer on the Rockland Community Action Authority, Inc. In addition, Alison was co-owner of a Pat-Ali Excursions, LLC, a travel agency. During her tenure at St. Paul’s A.M.E. Zion Church, Alison was past President of the Building Fund where she created the Tree of Life Project, and two successful Cotillion fundraisers. Also Vice-President of Dr. J.W. Findley Educational Committee, Church Stewardess, Lifetime Member of the Women’s Home and Overseas (WHO) Missionary Society, and past President of the Nurses Unit. She is also an Immediate Past President of Tau Phi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. 

Alison found immense joy spending time with her grandchildren, "Brandy". Brandy's love and wisdom shone through as she imparted valuable lessons about money management during a fun outing at McDonald's. The grandchildren treasured and knew when Brandy asked, they delivered. Her impact on those around her went beyond her professional achievements; she will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit.

As a person, Alison will be remembered for her joy for life, loving spirit, her laughter, funny sarcasm, and most of all her example of true love and friendship. Alison had a heart of gold, spoke words of encouragement and supportiveness. Alison had a caring and compassionate personality; A genuine loving person. Alison was brilliant in all nursing capacities, Nurse, Director and Administrator. Alison was the BEST, as a loving wife, mother, sister and friend.

Alison's family meant everything to her. She is survived by her loving husband Russell; daughters Sharlene of Dallas, TX, Shawn (Jerome) of Denver, CO; sister Lilian DeLardge of Woodbridge, VA; grandchildren Marques' Russell Simmons, Marlena Rochelle McLean, Jordan Ngozi Hampleton, Manwell Antonio McLean, and Morgan Alison Hampleton; great-grandchildren Da'Majae Neveah Imani Taylor and Mikyah Rae Ross. In addition to her immediate family, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and several Godchildren are left to cherish her memories.