Mary C. Behnan, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, musician, and passionate lover of classical music, peacefully passed away at the age of 81 on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.

Mary was born in Bedford, Indiana, on December 30, 1941, the daughter of W. Fred and Ruth (Marcum) Totten.

Mary was a dedicated scholar who honed her intellectual talents at the University of Michigan, earning a Masters in English. Her love for the written word and her commitment to education led her to a fulfilling career as a high school English teacher in Birmingham, Michigan. She was known not only for her dedication to her students but also for her unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.

Beyond her teaching career, Mary was an accomplished pianist. She generously lent her musical talents to countless children as she provided piano accompaniment for their musical endeavors. Her music brought joy and inspiration to the hearts of young musicians and their families, leaving an indelible mark on their lives.

Mary's true passion lay in her love for classical music. Her home was a sanctuary filled with the enchanting sounds of Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin. Mary was not only a woman of great intellect and musical talent but also a person of boundless compassion. Her warm smile and kind words comforted those fortunate enough to know her. She was a devoted mother, treasuring every moment spent with her family, and she leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion that will be cherished for generations to come.

Mary's memory will forever live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and the countless students and musicians whose lives she touched with her wisdom, music, and love. Her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us, and her legacy will endure through the timeless beauty of the classical music she held dear.

Mary is the beloved wife of 53 years to Ramsey; loving mother of Kelly (Scott) Sawyer, Christopher Behnan and Nicholas (Melissa) Behnan; cherished grandmother of Steven Sawyer, Julia Sawyer, Kai Behnan and Nadia Behnan; and dear sister of Charles (Ardian) Totten.

The Behnan family will receive guests on Saturday, October 28, 2 pm until the 7 pm funeral service, at the funeral home.

Private burial will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.

Memorial tributes are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association .