Benedicta “Bennie” Saldanha, aged 84, beloved wife, sister, aunt & friend passed away on February 27, 2019 at the Golden Living Center – Bella Vista in Rapid City, South Dakota following a brief illness.

She was born on January 03, 1935 in Mangalore, India to Magdeline (Misquith) and Baptist Rodrigues. She worked as a teacher in Mangalore for a few years before moving to Quilon, Kerala where she worked as an Accountant. In March 1978, Bennie married Claude Saldanha in Mumbai, India and returned back with him to Rapid City, South Dakota, where she has worked and lived ever since.

Bennie was a compassionate, quiet and deeply religious woman. She had a smile that emanated joy to those around her. Her loss is felt deeply and she will be missed by her extended family and many friends. She is survived by her nephews, nieces and close friends. She is preceded by her parents and her siblings - Severine, Seraphine, Agnes, Leo and Paul Rodrigues.