Dr. Rosemarie Ann Benya, PhD, age 78 of Brecksville, OH passed away peacefully after a long illness on Sunday September 27, 2020. She was born on May 20, 1942. She is the daughter of the late Vincent and Marie Benya. She is survived by her sisters, Kathleen (Steven) Hunsicker, Karen (John) Greene and many nieces and nephews. She considered every student from all over the world as her "spiritual children". Rosie developed many lifelong relationships with friends and neighbors who became like family to her. She graduated from Parma Senior High School in 1960. She completed her undergraduate studies at Notre Dame University in Cleveland, OH and received her Master's Degree from Middlebury College after studying abroad in Spain. She earned her Doctorate from The Ohio State University. Rosie was a professor and department chair of Foreign Languages at East Central University for more than 30 years. She also became as a Fulbright Scholar during her career, serving in Czechoslovakia for two years during the Velvet Revolution. She devoted her life to education, art, animals and serving her community. Rosie enjoyed worldwide travels, including European adventures with her nephews and niece. She was active in Ada Arts Council and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ada, OK. Rosie honed her oil painting skills during retirement which has provided wonderful memories for those who have received her artwork. There was a private family burial at Foxfield Preserve in Wilmot, OH. Foxfield Preserve is part of The Wilderness Center, whose mission it is to connect the community with nature, educate people of all ages and conserve natural resources. Memorials may be made to the organization of your choice in a way that would honor Rosie.