Diane Benjamin
June 11, 2023 – 6:00pm cst
Georgia Diane Stratas Benjamin, 83, of Evanston, passed away peacefully May 30, 2025, after a long decline in health.
The eldest of five children born in Toronto, Canada, to a veterinarian and a nurse, both of Greek descent, Diane graduated from West Hill Collegiate Institute in Scarborough. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Montana, Missoula, she returned to Toronto to work at the Toronto Telegram, and then to St. Louis, Missouri, for United Press International (UPI). It was there, one auspicious spring day that she answered the phone and said, “St. Louis Newsroom- it’s Greek Easter and if you want a story, you can come down here and file it yourself, I’m going to church!” On the other end of the line was one Bob Benjamin.
After burning up the phones for weeks, Diane flew to Chicago with no idea who she was looking for, as Bob told her he was missing one ear and provided only a photo booth strip of his hand covering his face and the side of his head. Diane had to look up “Assyrian” when her new friend mentioned his ethnicity.
She walked through the concourse, towards a lanky man resting against a pole, whom she correctly guessed to be Bob. He was leaning because he was tired, as he’d worked back-to-back shifts at the UPI newsroom to accommodate his guest, and managed to fall asleep during their date- a production of “Rosenkrantz and Guildenstern are Dead”. Bob and Diane were engaged within six weeks and married within five months, on August 16, 1969. It was the social event of the season, with a guestlist exceeding 500. The couple had a six-week old infant by their first anniversary.
In 1973, they moved to Pittsburgh, where Bob worked for UPI before being assigned to Washington, D.C. Diane ran a day care out of their house in McLean, VA, largely for the children of people suspected to be CIA Agents. They welcomed their second child in 1975.
In 1977, the family returned to Chicago’s Peterson Park neighborhood, where Diane raised their children, volunteered on neighborhood associations, and served as the director of the Greek-American Parade on Michigan Avenue. After the kids were in school, Diane worked in public relations at Michael Reese and Loretto hospitals, before working for Cook County Commissioner and later Treasurer Maria Pappas and serving as Evanston’s Deputy Tax Assessor, where she strove to make residents aware of available tax relief.
Diane was a sensitive soul, known for random acts of kindness, taking over projects from others, and fighting good fights. She was extremely generous in her gift-giving and often reached out to strangers in need.
Beloved wife of 55 years to Robert “Bob” Benjamin, loving mother of Brooke Elisabeth (Robert Zrenner) Benjamin and Robert “Rob” J. J. Benjamin.
Survived by sisters Susan Jonne (Jon) Stewart of Hamilton, Ontario and Lynda Stratas Parrish of Arizona.
Preceded in death by parents Dr. John “Jack” Nicholas Stratas and Georgiann “Georgie” Demetra Logos Stratas of Toronto, brother William David Stratas (“Billy”) of Vancouver Island, and infant sister, Jacqueline Stratas (Billy’s twin).
Also preceded in death by canine friends Odishoo “Odi” the miniature Schnauzer and Eddy the poodle, both of whom loved her more than anyone.
Memorial service Wednesday, June 11, at Colvin House, 5940 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, 60660. 5pm guest arrival. Service begins at 6pm. Reception to follow.
You may livestream the event here: https://www.asimplestreaming.com/dbenjamin
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Memorial donations may be made in her name to Howard Brown Health Center, https://howardbrown.org/.
Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.
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