Anna Marie Kuyt Benanti

Anna Marie Kuyt Benanti, 81, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, March 24, 2014. At the time of her death she was surrounded by her loving family. Anna is survived by her husband of 62 years Philip Benanti, Jr., a daughter Dr. Jan Benanti, her son-in-law Dennis H. Carriere, and "grandson by heart", Etienne Carriere. In addition, she left behind her most beloved grand-dogs, Frances, Luigi, Dominic, Bruno and Romeo, who were "the loves of my life." She is also survived by many relatives and friends who have fond memories of the many ways she touched their lives and the gatherings at her house which were always full of conversation , food and love. Anna's parents were the late Peter C. Kuyt, Sr. and the late Wylora B. Kuyt. She has two brothers, Johanes Kuyt and the late Peter C. Kuyt, Jr. Anna, a career banker, retired from the First National Bank of Commerce in New Orleans (formerly the Bank of New Orleans) where she attained the position of Assistant Vice President. For many years, one of Anna's great delights was LSU baseball. She was such a devoted fan that all activity at her house stopped during the games so she could accurately score the game. She kept all these statistics in her sacred LSU score book. During the games she was always praying to St. Francis for the "boys" success and safety. In 2009, she could be heard cheering throughout the house when LSU won the College World Series with the help of her favorite baseball player, Blake Dean. The family would like to thank all family and friends for their love and support. We especially wish to thank Julee Vidrine for her endless love and support. Anna loved you like a daughter. In addition, the family would like to thank the staff of St. Joseph's Hospice of Baton Rouge with a special thanks to her hospice nurse, Dawn and her social worker, Ginny. Further thanks are extended to Emma Turner and all her ladies who cared for Anna 24 hours a day with such a level compassion it was as if she was their own mother. All of Anna's doctors have gone beyond the call of duty to care for her. Eternal thanks are given to Dr. M. Patrick Stagg, Dr. Harold Clausen, Dr. M. Rao, and a special thanks to Dr. Bunnie Hill for all her years of special care. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to your local animal welfare or animal rescue society or to St. Joseph's Hospice of Baton Rouge. Visitation will be at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home at 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124 on Saturday, April 5, 2014, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon with a Catholic Mass of Christian Burial at the Lake Lawn Chapel immediately following visitation. Following Mass there will be a Celebration of Life Reception at Lake Lawn Metairie's private reception room where food and beverages will be served. Please come and share food and memories to celebrate Anna's life. Please visit and sign the family guestbook at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.