Eileen "Judy" Judith Lindal

Eileen Judith (Judy) Lindal (Jennings), age 88, of Wilsonville, OR passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Sunday, December 15, 2024.  Judy was the 10th of 11 children and was born on August 26, 1936, in Grand Meadow, MN. The daughter of Frank and Lois (Nauman) Jennings. 

With a spirit of adventure, shortly after her graduation from Austin High School, Judy moved to the Pacific Northwest at the young age of 17 to join her sister, Juanita and brother-in-law Delmar Pepper. She was married to her children’s father, Richard Benson, in 1957 and raised her six children in Arlington, WA. In 1999, she relocated to Oregon where she enjoyed the remainder of her life. 

Judy was a woman of faith and the matriarch of her family; she would often say that she was put on Earth to be a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She shared her love and wisdom freely. She touched the lives of many, always with a kind word of encouragement and support. Judy loved unconditionally. She had an amazing sense of humor and loved to laugh. Her passions included the beach, gardening, keeping a beautiful & welcoming home, reading, and travel.

She was known for her generous spirit and selfless nature, which extended to her participation in several respiratory-related research studies at OHSU. She often said that if her participation in studies could help someone else, she would gladly do it. Her commitment to improving the lives of others exemplified the kindness and compassion that defined her life.

A dedicated and lifelong professional, Judy retired after more than 10 years as a Regional Credit Manager with Allied Building Products. She loved her work and with it the travel that took her to many places across the United States.

Judy’s legacy is her beautiful family. Survivors include her six children, Shawn Berkau of Salem, OR, Dean (Judi) Benson of Prosser, WA, Scott (Greg) Benson-Weiner of Mesquite, Nevada, Jane (Danny) Salo of Lake Stevens, WA, Julie (Roger) Hoy of Salem, OR, Devin Driggs of Wilsonville, OR.  Her legacy lives on through her nine grandchildren: Joseph Berkau, Josh (Sabrina) Benson, Kelsey Simpson, Sophie (Adam) Sylvia, Mallory (Jeffrey) Kindred, Matt (Elle) Sokolis-Hogan, Alex Hoy, Madeline (Zachariah) Pelley, Dylan Driggs; and her thirteen great grandchildren: Kaleb, Zoe, Jonas, Augustus, Wyatt, Walter, Juniper, Georgia, Harvey, Oliver, Genevieve, Grayson and Violet. She also had many beloved nieces and nephews. 

Preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Lois Jennings and siblings, Wilbur, Merle, Donald, James, Ray, Doris, Juanita, Lucille, Charlotte “Chuck” and Roger “Tom” and her loving partner, Joseph Barone.

Heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Kevin Winthrop and Angela (OHSU), her care team at Providence, Brookdale Senior Living and Providence Hospice for the care they provided Judy.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. (Rosary said at 10:30 a.m.) on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Queen of Peace Church in Salem, OR.  Reception to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to have people donate to one of the following organizations that Judy supported.

Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at https://tinyurl.com/3k7uwz5d or by check, payable to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Grand Central Station PO Box 4777 New York, NY 10163-4777

NTM Info & Research Inc. (NTMir) - Nontuberculous Mycobacteria at https://tinyurl.com/5n7kfx9v or by check, payable to NTM Info & Research Inc. 14411 S. Dixie HwySte. 205 Palmetto Bay, FL 33176

Sandy Hook Promise at https://tinyurl.com/bddfrsum or by check, payable to Sandy Hook Promise Foundation at PO Box 3489 Newtown, CT 06470