Francine R. Bennion (1935 ­- 2024)

Francine R. Bennion, 88, passed away on January 14, 2024. She is the daughter of Francis and Hilda Russell, and was raised in Alberta, Canada. She earned music degrees from the Royal Schools of Music and the Western Board of Music in Canada while completing high school; she was a gifted pianist. She attended Brigham Young University, where she earned a BA degree in French, with “near majors” in English, Music, and Psychology. While attending BYU she met her husband, Robert Bennion. She earned an MA degree in English from Ohio State University.

Francine taught English, piano performance, Honors Book of Mormon, and Honors History of Civilization (in succession), part-time, at BYU. She was active in several public and church service organizations and activities, including her work as a founding member of the Rock Canyon Preservation Alliance, a member of both the LDS Young Women and Relief Society General Boards, and a member of the Utah Task Force on Gender and Justice. She published several articles and essays. She loved hiking, particularly in Rock Canyon near her home, and she remained “incurably curious” throughout her life.

Francine is survived by brothers, Robert and Kendall Russell; children, Lynne, James (Gay Lynn), and Brett (Daniela); grandchildren, Ryan (Annie), Adam (Justine), Benni, Blake (Rebecca), Annika, Bronté, and Tarquin; and great-granddaughters Ashlyn, Stella, and Whitney. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, and sisters Rosemary and Pamela.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, January 27 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel at 1960 N 1500 E, Provo. Family members will be at the church from 9:30 – 10:30 am for visiting. The memorial will be broadcast over Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/94400461049?pwd=cFZnL2x0K3RtTTRkOVNNajRoMk5MZz09 .

The family welcomes donations to American Diabetes Association in lieu of flowers.