Joanne Szumski

Joanne Szumski

May 28, 2024

Santa Clarita -Joanne Kyle Szumski passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, in Santa Clarita, CA, at age 89. Joanne was born in New Jersey to Harold and Katherine Benhardt. She met Joseph "Ed " Szumski in high school, and they married after his discharge from the Navy. They started their family in New Jersey before moving to Arizona and then Santa Barbara and finally Santa Maria where Joanne became most known for her position as Director of Volunteers at Marian Medical Center.

Following the death of her husband, Joanne continued to devote herself to her work until she retired in 2012. Joanne was also a faithful member of Grace Baptist Church for over 40 years. Throughout her life, it was her family that brought Joanne the greatest joy. She loved her relationships with her adult children, but she was made to be Grammy. Joanne repeatedly acknowledged God's faithfulness and was thankful for the innumerable blessings He brought into her life.

Joanne was preceded in death by her daughter Holly Szumski, her husband Joseph "Ed" Szumski, her father Harold Benhardt, her mother Katherine (Kyle) Benhardt, her brother Marvin Benhardt, her sister Nancy (Benhardt) Visokay, and her step-grandson Filiberto Hernandez. She is survived by her three children Brian Szumski (Linda), Kyle Szumski (Ginny), and Darcy Brown (Matthew); her six grandchildren Brian Szumski II, Kylie Roig (Cooper), Blake Szumski, Cameron Brown, Brandon Szumski, and Kaysa Brown; her step-grandson Chris Hirahara; and her great-granddaughter Brianne Szumski.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Baptist Church (605 E McCoy Ln.) on Friday, June 21, 2024, at 6:00 P.M.