Dena Benoit

Dena dedicated much of her life to raising a family of 9 children. An Italian and devout Catholic, she faced all of life’s adversities through the care and love of God. Her deep love of crafting and baking comes from her desire to make others smile and know that they are loved. She was a consummate caregiver; living out this vocation as a patient sitter at the hospital, as a companion for the elderly during homecare, and in meticulously caring for her disabled husband for over 20 years. This caregiver mindset transcended into her friendships with others. Dena is described as loving, adorable, fun, self-sufficient and compassionate from all that know her.

In 1950 she married Richard Dion, and he preceded her in death in 1971. She is survived by their children; Paula (Fred) Florka, Denise (Jim) Greer, Mark (Ann) Dion, Nancy (Randy) Sechrist, Steve (Elaine) Dion. In 1976 Dena married Donald Benoit, and he preceded her in death in 2008. Also surviving are their children, Betty Ann Benoit, Brian Benoit, Jim (finance’ Amy Rademacher) Benoit, Dave (Anne) Benoit. Dena was a loving grandmother to 17 and great-grandmother to 6. She was preceded in death by a son, Ricky Dion; and 2 sisters, Mary Aprile, and Fran Ohlrich.

Visitation for Dena will be held Monday, March 13, at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Rd. from 2-9pm with a 7:00 pm prayer and memorial service. Dena will lie in state on Tuesday March 14, at 9:30 am at St. Thecla, 20762 S Nunneley Rd with a funeral mass at 10:00am. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township. Memorial Contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Dena’s memory.