Mary Elizabeth Benko

Mary Elizabeth Benko, 66, of Hampstead, MD, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026, surrounded by her family at her home. Born on October 1, 1959, in Providence, RI, she was the daughter of Edward and Eileen (Kenney) Mackie. Mary Beth grew up in Bethlehem, PA, and spent most of her adult life in Westminster, MD. She was the beloved wife of 44 years to Stephen Benko, Sr.

Mary Beth was a phlebotomist by trade, but her greatest passion in life was being a mother. The majority of Mary Beth’s time was spent helping and caring for her family. Although she had three children and four grandchildren, Mary Beth’s maternal nature impacted countless others, as she was a true personification of unconditional love. Mary Beth was notorious for keeping a beautiful home to welcome loved ones, and whatever anyone might need was likely in her purse. She loved animals, and always kept dog bones in her car, “just in case.” Whether she was cheering at her grandchildren’s sporting or dance events, spending time with the sheep on her son’s farm, or taking her youngest grandson for a walk to the park, everyone who encountered her felt her warmth.

Surviving her in addition to her husband are children: Stephen Benko, Jr. and wife Peggy, Luke Benko and wife Kaylie, Jill Sakell and husband William, grandchildren: Stephen Benko III, Josie Benko, Andrew Benko, Theo Sakell, and brother: Stephen Mackie.

Mary Beth was predeceased by her parents and her brothers: Timothy and Christopher Mackie.

The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, July 1, from 5-7 pm and on Thursday, July 2, from 9-10 am at the ECKHARDT FUNERAL CHAPEL, P.A., 3296 Charmil Drive, Manchester, MD. The family welcomes all who wish to pay their respects to all services.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, July 2, at 11 am, at St. Bartholomew Roman Catholic Church, 2930 Hanover Pike, Manchester, MD.

Inurnment will take place in St. Bartholomew Roman Catholic Church Cemetery, Manchester, MD, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mary Beth’s name to the cemetery fund at St. Bartholomew Roman Catholic Church, P.O. Box 448, Manchester, MD 21102, or to Pancreatic Cancer Research at https://pancan.org/.

Arrangements are by the ECKHARDT FUNERAL CHAPEL, P.A., Manchester, MD.