Obituaries

Affectionately known as Benji by all his family and friends, Benjamin Clement Mejia was born on May 19, 1977 in Aurora, Illinois. Challenged by congenital birth defects and developmental disabilities he began receiving services at age 3 from the Association for Individual Development (AID) in Aurora. There he attended AID’s Elizabeth Keeler School where he thrived and especially loved swimming in the pool. Outside of school he found joy participating in programming at Fox Valley Special Recreation Association. He resided at home until it was time for a placement that would help him develop to his highest potential. As a young teenager he moved to Rocvale Children’s home in Rockford, Illinois. There he found companionship living in a dorm-like setting with others his age and had an opportunity to participate in Special Olympics. As an adult he moved back to Aurora to be close to family. AID placed him in TAC House, one of their many group homes. He had employment in a sheltered workshop, enjoyed outings, and hanging out with the friends he made there. Benji lived there happily and comfortably for over 20 years.

Loved by his father and guardian, Clem Mejia and step-mother, Susan Mejia of Elburn, IL, half-siblings Monica Mejia of South Dartmouth, MA and David Mejia of Chicago, IL as well as his mother, Catherine Driscoll of Batavia, IL and half-brother, Andrew Driscoll, of LaGrange Park, IL plus many friends at AID.

Private services were held. Interred at Fairmount-Willow Hills Memorial Park, Willow Springs, Illinois.

Memorial donation may be made to the Association for Individual Development at AIDCARES.org.

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