Alejandra Benedito

Born and raised in the Philippines, Oma was a woman ahead of her time, with strong convictions and an unyielding resolve. She earned a college degree in business and later worked as a civil servant for the City of Manila, alongside her husband, Rosalio Benedito, known to the family as Opa. Together they raised four children - Eleazar, who passed away in 2020, Cristina, Monina, and Roberto. Oma was a woman with a vision and a plan. She rarely left anything for later if it could be done properly weeks in advance — her Christmas presents were often bought months early, and her suitcase packed weeks before any trip. She encouraged her children to go to America, believing in its promise of greener pastures and the opportunity to build better lives for their families. One by one, each leading their own journeys, all heeded their mother’s counsel, and in the late 1980s, she followed them in immigrating to the United States, where the entire family settled in New York. She took extreme pride in her 11 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, helping to raise them with a strong work ethic and enduring Christian faith. Her family called her “Oma”, a name she preferred over the traditional Tagalog lola, both meaning grandmother. Throughout her life, she was heavily involved in various church communities, and came to be known simply as Oma to all. Later in life, if asked why she never remarried after Opa passed away, she would quip in Tagalog “ayoko nang magsilbi!” — I don’t want to serve anyone anymore. And yet, the family lovingly remembers her for always keeping their bellies full and their hearts full of trust in God. She was humble, gentle, and kind. She demonstrated her love through service to her faith, her family, and community. Oma adored a heartfelt Filipino teleserye, the glamour of old Hollywood films, the New York Yankees, and a heartily sour "sinigang na bangus". More than anything, Oma would have scoffed to find anyone shedding tears over the fact she now rests in peace. The family asks that you join them in celebrating her rich and full life.

Visiting hours will be held at Whalen & Ball Funeral Home, located at 168 Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10703, on Sunday January 4, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

The funeral service will take place at the same venue on Monday January 5, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, located at 50 Jackson Ave, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706.