Maxine Veronica Benson

           Maxine Benson, loving mother, grandmother, sister and child of God. Maxine Benson of Albuquerque, NM, went home to her Lord and Savior on November 13, 2023, at the age of eighty-two. She was a bright, caring and talented woman, who will be dearly missed by her family and the many people she touched throughout her lifetime.

            Maxine was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts on September 17, 1941, to Wilbur and Mary Carey. She was the middle child of seven children. From an early age, faith and family were of foremost importance to her. When she was only twelve, Maxine’s faith helped her shoulder the sudden loss of her father. Before she was a teenager, Maxine was cooking meals and running a household while her mother worked to support the family.

            After graduating from Holyoke High School in 1959, Maxine attended nursing school and graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse. In 1961, she married Rev. Richard Pflieger, and they were blessed with four sons. They lived in Alabama, first Guntersville then Auburn till 1970, and then moved to Jackson, Michigan. In 1977, they moved to Seward, Nebraska. Maxine was a proud mother and enjoyed raising her four sons as a stay-at-home mom.

            In 1983, Maxine earned her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Concordia Teachers College, Seward, NE. The next year she began her career in Gerontology at Vetter Health Services. She continued her education earning her Nursing Home Administration License in 1986, becoming a Certified Social Worker in 1987 and receiving her Graduate Certificate for Gerontology in 1991.

            For the next few years, she continued working in multiple senior care centers. In 1997, she became the Nursing Home Administrator for Vetter’s Highland Park Care Center (HPCC) in Alliance, Nebraska. In 2002, she earned her Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University. Maxine oversaw standards of care and championed expansion of service offerings at HPPC. Under her leadership, they received the prestigious AHCA National Quality of Care Award, a top distinction that celebrates commitment and achievement within long term care.

             In 1989, Maxine married Galen Benson, and they lived in Nebraska. In 2001, she and Galen created Camp GrandmaPa, an annual trip with the grandchildren to have adventures, explore new places and forge familial bonds.

             In 2006, the couple relocated to Rio Rancho, New Mexico to be closer to family. Semi-retired, she took a role as a Purchasing & Accounting Clerk at Bladewerx, Rio Rancho, where she relished learning new skills and technology. After formally retiring in 2014, Maxine and Galen remained living in Rio Rancho. After Galen’s death in 2017, she continued to live in their home for another six years. In January 2023, she moved to Albuquerque to live with her son, Charlie, and his family until her death.

             Maxine loved spending time with her family and friends, immersing herself in community and church activities. She joined the Linus quilting group at the Corrales senior center, traveled around the country to visit family and enjoyed many recreations of the outdoors, especially bird watching. She never forgot a special occasion and always sought ways to keep family and friends connected. She remained close to her siblings throughout her life—always a patient and thoughtful listener who offered sound advice when needed. She shared a love of music with a variety of people, especially her brother Karl. She enjoyed playing violin and guitar. Maxine’s family and friends will miss her thoughtfulness, encouraging words and bright spirit.

              Maxine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brother, Robert Davies; her sister, Alberta Colty. She is survived by three sisters, Mary Jo LaLonde of Germantown, TN, Patricia (Don) Arnett of Memphis, TN and Constance Taylor of Goshen, IN; brother, Karl Ferret of Northampton, MA; four sons, Richard Charles Jr. (Joselyn) Pflieger of Albuquerque, NM, Paul (Amy) Pflieger of Minocqua, WI, Daniel (Sandra) Pflieger of Windsor, CO and Timothy (Casey) Pflieger of Kennesaw, GA; eleven grandchildren, Rebekah (Kyle) Martin of Tempe, AZ, Deanna Pflieger of West Chester, PA, Evan (Megan) Pflieger of Minocqua, WI, Kelsey (Trent) McClure of Austin, TX, Elizabeth Pflieger of Albuquerque, NM, Ryne (Loralei) Pflieger of Parker, CO, Mason Pflieger of Minneapolis, MN, Mitchell Pflieger of Windsor, CO, Hailey Pflieger of Lynchburg, VA, Scarlett Pflieger and August Pflieger of Kennesaw, GA; great grandson, Askr Pflieger of Minocqua, WI; two grandchildren by marriage, Maya & Gracelynn Baker; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

             Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life at 11a.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 300 Gold Ave. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102. A reception will immediately follow the service.

             Memorial contributions can be made to “Immanuel Lutheran School Scholarship Fund” and sent to 300 Gold Ave. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102.