Eileen Benedict
Age - 86
December 5, 2023
PITTSFORD - Passed away peacefully on December 1st at the age of 86,surrounded by her loving family. Eileen is predeceased by her parents, Gaetanoand Ida DeLeonardis, son, John Benedict, and daughter-in-law, Carol Benedict. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 65 years, William "Bill"Benedict, her daughter, Jeanette (David) Levesque, and her son, Brian Benedict;her grandchildren, Brianna Benedict, Ava Benedict, and Joshua Levesque; step-grandchildren, Kyle Levesque, Claire (Ryan) O'Connell, and Caitlin (Derek)Levesque; step-great-grandchildren, Emma, Kora and Luna; her sister, Maria (Ted)Alexander; her brother, Eugene (Alfreda) DeLeonardis, and her sister-in-law,Cindy Secka; and several nieces and nephews. Eileen was born on August 12, 1937, and grew up in an Italian neighborhood inWest Aliquippa, PA. A neighborhood filled with aunts, uncles, cousins, andgrandparents. Sunday dinners, family gatherings and walks to her grandma andgrandpa's house impressed upon her the importance of family. In 1957, Eileen mether husband, Bill. Bill saw her and it was "like magic. " After a year of courtshipand dances at McDaniel's dance hall, they were married in 1958. Shortly thereafter,they started their family. Bill's new career opportunity brought them to Rochester,New York. They became lifelong friends with other Xerox families who, to thisday, they affectionately consider to be their "Rochester family" sharing manyholidays and family vacations. Eileen was always dedicated to her work. She worked as a legal secretary, andultimately found a place at RIT as an administrative assistant. There, she madelifelong friends throughout her many years who are warmly referred to as the RITgroup with whom she shared many RIT picnics, and the monthly RIT breakfasts. To Eileen, family was everything. She was a proud wife, mother and grandmother. To her grandchildren, Eileen was their safe place, their rock and their biggestcheerleader. She will be remembered most for her ability to find the best in people,to always have a smile on her face, and accept anyone that walked through herdoor as a friend. "Your friends are my friends" she would often say. The essence of Eileen is love, kindness and acceptance. It didn't matter who youwere. She treated everyone the same and accepted anyone she came in contactwith. Eileen will be fondly remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother andfriend. Friends may call Wednesday, December 6 from 3-7PM at the funeral chapel (2305Monroe Ave. ). A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, December 7, 11AM at OurLady of Lourdes (150 Varinna Drive). Interment to follow at White HavenMemorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. JudeChildren's Research Hospital. A special thank you to the exceptional staff at UR Medicine Hospice Team foryour compassionate care of Eileen. Thank you- Erin, Heather, and DebraShow more
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