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Merna Benedict Goett, 88, of Monroe, died peacefully at home on February 28 surrounded by her loving family. Merna grew up in Hudson, Ohio and later attended The Ohio State University, where she earned her degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences and met her husband, William Benedict. After Bill received his doctorate, Merna and family moved back to Stepney, CT to Bill’s family farmstead and business. Throughout the 1960s Merna kept extremely busy raising her four children (Becky, Bruce, Mark, and Jane), freezing and canning the bounty of fruits and vegetables and meat from the family farm, extending the family budget through sales of chicken eggs (delivered!) and working part-time at the local pharmacy. After an extended illness, Bill passed away in 1973. While working hard to successfully preserve the family business after Bill’s death, Merna met and later married John E. (Jack) Goett. Merna was very involved with the expansion of what is now Benedict’s Home & Garden over the years as her family grew with the marriages of her children, births of 11 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Merna loved her family dearly and was devoted to them all. She was heartbroken in the last year of her life at the loss of her youngest child, Jane, to cancer. Merna was a very generous and kind person and will be missed dearly.
Merna Benedict with her husband, William Benedict,
in front of the original store
"Eastern States Farmer's Exchange" - 1958.
Merna Benedict with Saint Bernard Dog "Oliver"
going to work at the pharmacy - 1969.
Merna with her husband, William Benedict - 1973.
Merna with her husband, Jack Goett
and their dog Sam at the new store - 1980.
Merna Benedict Goett with John Hammond
(store manager) inside the new store - 1980.
Merna Goett (left) in front of the current store - 2010.
Merna Goett (right) with her children,
Jane Flader (left) and Bruce Benedict (center).
Merna Goett with her son, Bruce Benedict.
Merna Goett with her children.
Left to right: Jane Flader, Becky Bottomley, Merna Goett, Mark Benedict, Bruce Benedict.
Pre-Order 17 week old Red Cross Hens! Ready to lay in 4-5 weeks from pick up!
Also order baby turkeys and guinea keets here!
Pick from a variety of baby chicks and ducks here!
This year features new breeds! Don't miss out!
Order bees from either Cedar Lane Apiaries or Honeybound Apiary and pick them up here at Benedict's!
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480 Purdy Hill Rd
Monroe, CT 06468
(203) 268-2537
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