By Marie Wittenberg
The Rev. Michael Miller and the Rev. Lisa Dodd officiated at the celebration of Octavia Bennett’s life on Friday, Aug. 1, 2008, at 1 p.m. at the Eden Prairie Methodist Church.
Music was provided by soloist Don Prestly and organist Daniel Cherrix. The following is taken from the homily given by Dodd.
Octavia Bennett of Eden Prairie passed away July 17, 2008, after suffering a massive stroke in early June. Husband John precedes her in death as well as parents Charles and Edna Trittelwitz and sisters Virginia and Majora. Octavia is survived by brothers, Charles (Norma) and Roger (Ruth) Trittelwitz and several nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends.
Octavia Joyce was born July 5, 1923, in rural Plymouth County. Attending a one-room schoolhouse with her sisters, she graduated from Wayzata High School in 1941. Shortly thereafter, she began working at Dayton’s when Mr. Dayton would greet employees personally at the holiday times.
Octavia retired after 40 years lastly doing the executive payroll at the main store in downtown Minneapolis.
Octavia married John A. Bennett on Aug. 11, 1944. While dating, he gave her the nickname of “Toots.” The name stuck and relatives continue today to call her Toots.
Octavia, or Toots to her family and friends, chose the 23rd Psalm for her memorial service. Psalm 23, which has been called the loveliest poem ever written, is fitting for Octavia because she truly was a lovely soul.
Octavia was a quiet person – her brother Roger said “she was a behind-the-scenes person.” In the same way, the 23rd Psalm is also quiet. There are no exclamation points, no exulting or loud words of praise and no vengeance. No, the 23rd Psalm speaks of green pastures and still waters.
And the old saying that “still waters run deep” applies here, for Octavia had a deep faith – a faith that wasn’t always outwardly evident. She did not speak much of her faith or her feelings. She remained true to her stoic German heritage, but Octavia lived her faith. That is how we know her faith in God was deep, because she lived her faith through her actions. In her gifts of hospitality she showed her faith in hosting meals for family and friends, for always being willing to bring a pan of brownies for a funeral or other events at church. Her niece Cynthia spoke of summers spent with Aunt Octavia and how special those times were to her and all the nieces and nephews. It is so obvious that Octavia loved deeply because of how deeply she was loved by us.
While married to John, they enjoyed traveling often on cruises to places such as Venezuela, the Panama Canal, Nova Scotia, Alaska, Hawaii and many other places around the United States and abroad.
After retiring in 1986 and the passing of John in 1993, Octavia remained active. She volunteered for the local food shelf, PROP, faithfully every Monday. She met regularly with other retirees from Dayton’s often for lunch. Octavia enjoyed hosting luncheons at her home for many friends and frequently hosted holiday dinners for the family. At the Eden Prairie United Methodist Church, she was a member of the Sunshine committee, Hospitality and Memorial Ministry teams.
Octavia lived a long life and thus she walked through the darkest valley, the valley of death, losing her beloved husband John in 1993 and losing her parents and sisters. She did not let the death of her loved ones stop her. Her faith held her fast, for she knew that God’s rod and staff were there to comfort her. For it was in her retirement years and after John’s death that she did the bulk of her volunteer work, reading, travelled, put together puzzles – 1,000-piece only, thank you – and did the beautiful hand work, needlepoint on numerous pillows and framed pictures along with latch hook pictures and rugs. She always had some project going.
She stayed strong, sharp and connected right up to the end. For the Psalm goes on to say, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” Octavia, the quiet presence, the behind-the-scenes person, led a beautiful, full and faithful life.

Marie Wittenberg is archivist and honorary director for the Eden Prairie Historical Society.