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BENVENISTI -- ETTI ESTHER Died on 29 April 2012, following a long illness. The interment took place at a graveside service within the 24 hour commandment of Jewish law at the Chavurat Hamidar (Fellowship of the Desert) section of the Fairview Cemetery in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Benvenisti tribal origins date back to early Spain with dispersion throughout Europe and Africa during the Inquisition in the 15th Century. Etti was a fifth generation Israeli. Early childhood years were spent in Jerusalem with her favorite song, Y'rushalayim Shel Zahav, the poignant link with "the most beautiful city in the world," Jerusalem of gold. Her proud Sephardic roots and family contributions given quietly became the organizing principle of her life. Like her father Eliezer, and mother Allegra, she was pure Sephardic and a continual creative contributor to this world. Etti was the middle child in a family of seven. Yona of Deerfield Beach, Florida, Ahron of North Miami Beach, Florida, Sara of Beverly Hills, California and Shalom of Tel Aviv, Israel were with Etti in the final days. Illness prevented Leon in Israel from being here. Albert, the eldest brother, died in Israel in 2009. Family and friends from different parts of the world attended the last days and the burial of this unique woman. Etti was married to E. A. "Tony" Mares with two children of their marriage. Vered of Anchorage, Alaska has become an invaluable foundation of satisfaction and support to Etti, close by her side throughout her illness. Unfortunately daughter Galit died at age 20 in 1994. Etti's stepson, Kevin has been a source of fulfillment and all mourn the abrupt and grievous loss of Clayton Rich, her dedicated partner in 1996. Etti married Dr. John R. Graham in Jerusalem in a site overlooking the Old City walls thus completing a circle in life. As a "True Daughter of Israel" Etti embraced the world one individual, one family, one community at a time. She came to America to study at age twenty and fell in love with New York City. Work with a publisher led to educational research for the Head Start program on cross-cultural differences evaluating Hispanic and Native American children. When word of the impending arrival of the Israeli educator circulated in Albuquerque, Etti received an invitation from the Chavurat Hamidar (Fellowship of the Desert) to establish the first preschool Gan program in Albuquerque. The immediate link to the University of New Mexico led to a full career with her clinical focus on children and families, and teaching of students and physicians within the Child Psychiatry program at the School of Medicine. On retirement, Etti taught in multiple foreign countries amidst her travels. With an engaging smile, demure style and attitude of inquiry, Etti was without judgment and won over individuals, officials, even politicians, to her causes in repairing this world. Whether an innovative community service, wise counsel or using a creative aggressive approach to problem solving, she became the advocate for those in need without a voice or vote. When self-serving administrators and unethical providers drifted off course and failed to provide services and leadership, Etti called them out and shared the reality. Seeing her approach could send a shiver down the spine as they'd say, "Here comes trouble." Always a strong and fierce advocate for others, she changed people's lives and made this world a better place. Life was worth living and fun when you were around Etti if you could keep up with her pace. To celebrate the milennium Etti scaled Annapurna in the Himalayas of north-central Nepal, complete with oxygen and one Sherpa guide. At the end of the descent back at Base Camp and with everything in place, Etti commented she was ready to rest. The guide replied, " Madame, I never thought I would hear that from you." The memorial candle continues to burn until the Shiv'ah ends on Sunday morning merging into Sheloshim, the thirty day mourning period. All friends are invited and welcomed to a graveside service at Fairview Memorial Park on May 30, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. when Etti's marker will be unveiled. Sim Shalom. "Peace, goodness, and blessing; grace and love and mercy: may these descend on us, on all Israel, Your people, and all the world." Amein.
        Published on: Sun May 06, 2012