Mary Ann Benkert

Mary Ann (Priola) Benkert, 82 of Bristol, passed away on Thursday November 20, 2025 at Bristol Hospital.

Born on February 16, 1943, she was raised and educated in New Britain, one of two children to the late Primo and Caroline (DeRosia) Priola. She carried the values of her upbringing; hard work, loyalty, and kindness throughout her life. She made her home in Southington where she raised her two children and became a proud grandmother.

Mary Ann built a remarkable career with General Electric, where she worked for close to 40 years. Upon retirement, she embraced a new chapter at Walmart, where she spent more than 15 years enjoying the camaraderie of coworkers and the familiar faces of customers.

Mary Ann was happiest when on the dance floor. It was there she met her partner, Ernie Emmanuel 15 years ago, and they have been inseparable ever since, sharing not only a passion for dancing but also countless Harley trips and adventures together.

Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the friends she made along the way, and the joy she brought to every room she entered-usually wearing a new pair of shoes from her vast collection.

In addition to her partner Ernie, she is survived by her children, Michael Ofiara and his wife Colleen and Paula Pocock and her husband Ken; her grandchildren, Shannon Kaszuba, Sean Ofiara and his wife Kendal and Alexandra Ofiara; her brother, Louis Priola; her sister-in-law and dear friend, Annabelle Priola; and her adored nieces with whom she shared a special bond, Deborah Dubois, Pam Tynik, Wendy Saja, and Brenda De Los Reyes.

In lieu of flowers, Mary Ann may be remembered with contributions to the USO, an organization that she proudly supported for many years, at https://give.uso.org

Honoring Mary Ann's wishes, her life will be celebrated with private funeral services. The staff at Plainville Funeral Home extends their gratitude to Mary Ann's family for their trust. For online expressions of sympathy, please visit http://www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com