Medina, MN - Elizabeth (Moran) Bennett, 96, beloved mother, grandmother, and community volunteer, formerly of Wayzata and Excelsior, MN, passed away surrounded by family on May 4, 2026. Preceded in death by her parents, Clement J. (Pat) Moran and Monica A. Moran, her twin brother Robert T. Moran (Judy), and her late husband, Russell M. Bennett, II, Beth is survived by her daughters, Mary B. Carlton and Robin B. Schoenwetter (C.J.), her grandchildren, Bryan R. Carlton, Christopher L. Carlton, and Elizabeth B. Schoenwetter, her brother, Daniel J. Moran (Patricia), brother-in-law, Thomas T. Bennett (Rita), and numerous nieces and nephews whom she adored.

Beth was known for her quick Irish wit and her love of MN Gopher football. She was a woman of great faith, spirited (sometimes feisty), and forthright. She lived a glamorous life and enjoyed telling stories to friends and strangers alike, often about her grandchildren.

Beth attended the University of MN, where she served in leadership roles as a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, while majoring in early childhood development. She married her high school sweetheart, Russell Bennett, in 1951 and enjoyed being a military wife while stationed in New Jersey and California during the early years of their marriage. After returning to Minnesota, she devoted her life to raising her family and to 50 years of community service, particularly in the health care arena and higher education. A tireless advocate for Minneapolis Children's Hospital, she served on its board for 35 years (Board Chair 1986-1988). She also served on the board of Northwestern Hospital and was instrumental in the merger of what was to become Abbott Northwestern Hospital. Beth later served on the Executive Committee and board of Life Span, and saw these hospitals through significant changes in the way health care was delivered in the Twin Cities. Her additional board service included: University of MN Pediatrics Foundation board for 12 years (Chair 1998-2000), University of St. Thomas, St. Therese of New Hope Nursing Home, Junior League Minneapolis, Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging, The Bakken Museum, Ripley Memorial Foundation (President 1984-1986), Minneapolis Children's Foundation, Metro Hospital Council, and the MN Vikings Children's Fund Foundation.

Beth was appreciated and recognized for her long-term commitment to fundraising and her efforts to strengthen healthcare and higher education in the Twin Cities. She struggled with dementia for many years, but never lost her sense of humor or her commitment to her faith. She often said, "Without faith, nothing else matters."

Per Beth's request, a private funeral mass will be held for family. Memorials preferred to: University of St. Thomas (https://give.stthomas.edu), or University of Minnesota Foundation (https://give.umn.edu ), or Bennett Family Park, (https://bennettfamilypark.org) for youth baseball and softball.