Marie Wells Obituary

Marie Benner Wells went to be with the Lord on December 31, 2009. She entered this world on May 17, 1925 in Freyming, France to parents Jules and Elise Benner. She was preceded in death by her three brothers and three of her four sisters. Maries' proficiency in English, French, German, and Spanish garnered her a productive and successful 34 year career as a foreign language assistant in the Department of Foreign languages at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Her natural ability to instruct foreigh languages, interface with cadets, and have a role in academia, was remembered fondly by her as the most fulfilling period of her life. Marie was truly an unsung hero on the front lines in the battle for women to receive equal pay for equal work performance. To this end, she is remembered as feisty and relentless. Her friends knew her as an instructor of ballroom dance, an avid bridge competitor, and scrabble aficionado. She especially enjoyed holiday brunches with her family, lively political discourse, and less we forget, her cat Jennifer. Not many people have had their picture greace the pages of Life magazine. She, along with friends, did. The patrons of the former Michelle's Ice Cream parlor will remember the picture and article about the favorite downtown hangout. Marie is survived by her sister, Madeline Speer of Vancouver, British Columbia, two daughters, Catherine Sestokas and Patricia Conken of Colorado Springs, along with seven grandchildren and six great-grand children. Marie Benner Wells is dearly loved by her family and will be sorely missed. Her contribution to our world will live on in the lives of those who knew her; her former students, family, and friends. A private memorial service will be held in the spring.