Irene S. BENBENEK

1934 - 2022

BENBENEK - Irene S.
(nee Sicienski)
July 29, 2022. At age 87, Irene passed peacefully into eternal rest with family by her side at Community General Hospital, in Syracuse, NY. A retired Buffalo public school administrator, matriarch of a loving family, and avid outdoor enthusiast, she taught her children and grandchildren the joys of the natural world through family adventures near and far. In her later years, she enjoyed leisurely nature walks with dear companions at Stiglmeier Park near her home, observing the abundant wildlife, always with an open palm of seed for her beloved chickadees. She also enjoyed reading, quilting and sewing and was a member of the Upsilon Sigma Chi, Catholic Biblical School, and Morningstar Quilting Guild and was also retired from the Curtin Cupboard, a business she co-founded with her friend, Mary Guminski. Irene was also an active member and Eucharistic Minister at St. Philip the Apostle Church. The beloved wife of 57 years to the late Frank E. Benbenek; a caring and devoted mother of Mary (Charlie Cullen) Williamson, John (Mimi), Lawrence (Debra) and Vincent (Vesna) Benbenek; and a loving mother figure to many of her childrens' friends; a devotedly enthusiastic grandmother to Nathan, Rachel, Andrew, Carlie (Jon) Budnik, Julia, Brian (Nikki), Ashley, Austin, Ariana, Eli, and Alexander, and great-grandmother of Piper and Layla; a cherished daughter of late Sofia (nee Kwiestorowka) and late Joseph Sicienski and sister of the late Helen (late John) Lejwoda, Angeline (late Robert) Kubisty, Edward (late Dorothy), Henry (late Helen), Walter (late Joan) Sicienski, and Florence (late Ted) Stoklosa; good friend of the late Albert and Edward Dziedzic; and also survived by several nieces and nephews. Family will gather for a Celebration of Irene's Life on Friday, October 7, 2022, from 3-7 PM at the PIETSZAK FUNERAL HOME, 2400 William St. (near Harlem). Relatives and friends are invited to assemble for a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at St. Philip The Apostle Church (950 Losson Road) on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 10 AM. Flowers gratefully declined. Online condolences: www.Pietszak.com