Dr. Roberta Mann-Benson

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Mann-Benson, Dr. Roberta Noted philanthropist and community leader, Dr. Roberta Mann-Benson, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, October 27, 2010. Many Twin Cities organizations benefited from Roberta's tireless support and her generous philanthropic donations. Renowned for her support and leadership in the arts and integrative medicine, Roberta had a life-long involvement with the Minnesota Orchestra and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. "Roberta was an extraordinary woman with a huge amount of spirit, vitality and enthusiasm. She was a long time member of the Orchestra's board of directors and demonstrated in many ways her love for this wonderful institution. We are all so saddened by her loss." said Michael Henson, President of the Minnesota Orchestra. She served in leadership roles both locally and nationally, including the Board of Governors of the Boys and Girls Club of America, and was the first woman president of the Boys and Girls Club of Minneapolis, Vice President of the Minnesota Orchestra, and a Trustee of the Minneapolis Institute of Art. She served both on the Board and on various committees of the United Way since 1989 and was recently recognized as a Century Legacy donor. Roberta was an active volunteer and supporter of the Pacer Center and the founder of the Ted and Dr. Roberta Mann Foundation Symposium about Children and Young Adults with Mental Health and Learning Disabilities. In 2006, in recognition of her support and accomplishments, Roberta became an Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipient. As a co-founder of Abbott Northwestern Hospital's Institute for Health and Healing, Roberta followed in her father, Ted Mann's, footsteps and became an active leader in the field of integrative medicine. This interest, coupled with a passion for those suffering from mental health problems, propelled Roberta, as President of the Ted and Dr. Roberta Mann Foundation, to launch a national movement to promote integrative mental health. Two years ago at the age of 70, Roberta received a Doctorate degree in Education from St. Mary's University of Minnesota. Roberta is survived by her husband, Donald Benson and her children, John Brenden, Las Vegas, Blythe Brenden, Minneapolis and a sister, Victoria Mann Simms, Los Angeles. She was preceded in death by her father, Ted Mann and her mother, Ida Charon Mann. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 30th at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave S., Mpls., followed by a reception at Orchestra Hall. Memorials may be sent to the Minnesota Orchestra or to PACER Center.

Published on October 29, 2010