Carol A. Benish

Carol A (Hook) Benish
6/11/1942 - 7/5/2013


Carol A (Hook) Benish, 71, of Grass Valley, Calif., passed away on July 5, 2013 at home surrounded by her husband Russell Benish and family after a courageous battle with Pancreatic cancer. She was born June 11, 1942, in San Rafael, Calif., the daughter of Robert Hook and the late Verna Hook; and daughter-in-law of Addie Lou Benish.
Carol was a graduate of San Rafael High School, class of 1960, born and raised in Marin County. She raised two sons with their father, Al Gastoni in San Rafael until 1978 when they relocated to Nevada City, Calif., where they enjoyed being near their cabin at Donner Lake and alpine skiing. She remained close to her high school friends and visited with them often. Carol worked many years as a physician's assistant for a local doctor, ventured into her own business running an aquarium store, completed nursing school and worked as a nurse in the surgical unit at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital from 1996 until 2006 when she retired. She and her husband Russ loved to travel and made frequent trips to Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean. She was a devout tennis player and longtime member of the Ridge Racquet Club in Grass Valley. Carol was also very involved with the Rockwood Homeowner's Association, a Hospice volunteer and enjoyed playing Mahjong, Scrabble, and Poker with her many friends.
She is survived by her sons, David Gastoni of Lakewood Calif., Vincent Gastoni and his wife Leslie of Cambridge, Minn.; grandchildren, Jacqueline, Christopher, and Marissa; great-grandchildren, Declan and Magnus; step-son, Mason Benish and his wife Amy; siblings, Judy Reels (Richard) of Petaluma, Mike Hook (Susan Schneider) of Portola, Marty Miller (Paul), of Petaluma; in-laws, Debbie Burton (Richard), Vonnie Gogarty; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Carol was comforted throughout these last few months by the incredible support of her 'Cheerleaders', a phenomenal group of friends whom her family is eternally grateful to. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions be made to Sutter Auburn Faith Hospice, 11775 Education St, Auburn, CA 95602.
A Celebration of Life will be held on August 10, 2013 at 3:30 p.m. at the Nevada County Horsemen's Clubhouse, 10600 Bubbling Hills Road, Grass Valley, CA 95945.