BAG was saddened to hear of the passing of two BAG members, Lee Mann and Raphiel Benjamin.
Lee Mann
Lee Mann earned a PhD in art and taught for many years at various universities. She was a longtime member of both Santa Fe BAG and Libros. Above you can see some of her artwork that appeared in BAG exhibitions over several years. Lee is survived by her children and grandchildren. There will be a graveside memorial service at 2 pm on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Boulevard NE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87107.
(Click on any image to enlarge.)
On a personal note, last summer I visited Lee at her home, which contained some of the most beautiful artwork (hers and art she’d collected) I’d ever seen. Lee was such a delight. I will miss her. Julie Filatoff
Raphiel Benjamin
Raphiel Benjamin and his family moved to Santa Fe in 1970, where he practiced medicine until his retirement in 2004. Raphiel served on the Board of the Orchestra of Santa Fe (including president), served as a member of the board and president of the Vietnam Project, delivered meals for Kitchen Angels, established a long-running monthly luncheon with vets, and worked with Hank Hughes of the New Mexico Coalition to End Veteran Homelessness.
After retirement, Raphiel became a bookbinder, concentrating on family genealogy and political commentary.
There will be a memorial service at Rivera Funeral Home, 417 Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505, on May 16, 2025, at 11 am. Burial will follow at Santa Fe Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
