Donna Joan Benedict

Obituary

Donna Joan Benedict

February 18, 1931 – August 27, 2023

Bonita, CA – Donna Joan Benedict, 92, passed away peacefully August 27, 2023. She was born in Los Angeles, CA to the late George and Marietta (“Retta”) Willcox. She was married to her husband of 49 years, Donald R. Benedict who passed away in 2003 at the age of 71. She is survived by her daughter, Shannan (Benedict) Neilson and her husband Gene Neilson, by her son Matthew Benedict and his wife Joyce (Longmore) Benedict. She is also survived by her 5 grandchildren, Adam and his wife Chrissy, Rachele and her husband Brian, Sam, Savannah and Sierra and her 5 great grandchildren, Jadeynn, Jacob, Jordan, Evelyn and Emerson.

An only child, Donna’s mother passed away when she was just 9 years old whereafter her father remarried her stepmother, Leona. Right before Donna started high school, her family relocated to Fawnskin, CA outside of Big Bear Lake, CA. Some of Donna’s fondest memories growing up were of Fawnskin where her father served as the Fire Chief. After high school, she joined the United States Army where she graduated with an RN degree in nursing and shortly thereafter met Donald. She attained the rank of First Lieutenant and following her honorable discharge she continued on with her nursing career working in hospital emergency rooms in Everett, WA, San Bernardino, CA and San Diego, CA. Once retired from nursing, Donna was employed by the Sweetwater School District in the South Bay of San Diego as a Special Education Assistant teaching disabled children and young adults. Donna was also a certified CPR instructor and taught classes for many years to a countless number of people. When not working, Donna’s passion was her yard and her beloved fuchsias of which she at times had over 50 varieties that she tended to both while living in Everett and then at her and Don’s final residence of 55 years in Bonita, CA.

Donna was a lover of all animals, with a special fondness for dogs and birds. In her later years, it brought her great pleasure to reminisce about all the animals she had owned. From her first dog with Don as a married couple, Cindy the Cocker Spaniel to the many that followed: Moe the cat, Lady the German Shepherd, Gigi the Poodle, Nikki the Cocker Spaniel, rescue dogs Jessie and Kit, her constant companion for many years, Louie the Love Bird and finally, Lola the Pomeranian and official mascot of Casa Cielo Board and Care, she was never without a two- or four-legged companion by her side.

A Graveside Service for Donna will be held Thursday, September 7, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, California 91902. A Celebration of Life Dinner will be held at Donna’s favorite dining establishment, Murrieta's Mexican Restaurant, 5170 Bonita Rd, Bonita, CA 91902 following the service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.glenabbeysandiego.net for the Benedict family.