Serving as a liaison for the Hubert H.

Being honored by the Open World Program in 2008 in Washington, D.C.

Inspiring leaders from Russia, Ukraine and Tajikistan to travel to Duluth to learn about US democracy and American culture through her involvement in the Open World Leadership Center, an organization created by Congress.

Serving as a member of the League of Women Voters for 35 years where she was President of the Duluth chapter and Chair of the International Relations Committee.

Organizing women’s domestic violence and leadership programs in both Petrozavodsk, Russia and Kirovograd, Ukraine, both of which now have shelters for women and children because of her efforts.

Serving as a delegate to the United Nations “Decade for Women” Conference in Nairobi, Kenya in 1985, which inspired her to expand her horizons from not only helping local women, but advocating for women’s rights around the world.

Spearheading the Duluth Sister Cities Program in 1987, which now includes cities in Japan, Russia, Canada, and Sweden.

Running for public office and serving on the Duluth City Council from 1985 – 1990.

Founding the Greater Minnesota Women’s Alliance in 1982, which initiated legislation on women’s issues.

Designing the first Women’s Studies program at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) in the 1970s and earning her bachelor’s degree from UMD at the age of 51.

Becoming a member of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1967 and serving as the state board representative where she worked for passage of the ERA.

Some of Joyce’s greatest accomplishments included: Up until her health recently deteriorated, she remained active in many of the organizations she had been involved with throughout her lifetime. Joyce’s philosophies were very forward-thinking and she lived her life on the cutting edge of progress. She will be remembered as an activist, an organizer, and a world leader for women’s rights. Joyce is survived by her three daughters, Paige (Bob) Riewe, Pam Benson, and Paula (Tom) Shaw her grandchildren, David (LeJoy) Riewe, Brett (Jen) Riewe, Ty (Jen) Severson, Jamie (Jeff) Burton, and Tomie Shaw and 3 step grandchildren seven great grandchildren, ten step great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter. She married Clifford Benson in April 1949 who preceded her in death in 2011.

She was born on Jin Cloquet, Minnesota to Juella and Ingwald Iverson.

Joyce Marilyn (Iverson) Benson, 91, passed away peacefully in her home on November 10, 2020, surrounded by family.

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