Gloria Helene Benedetto

The family of Gloria Helene Lepire Dodson Benedetto rejoice that she is reunited with her husbands, Charlie Dodson and Vito “V.T.” Benedetto, in Heaven. She was preceded in death by parents, Honoré Ovilla Lepire and Ihra Gunelda (Nellie) Dahl Lepire, brothers, Lyle (infant) and Duane (Ann), and sisters, Frances Bourassa (Gerald), Olive Green (Richard), Margaret Hoopingarner (Earl), Claire Wallace (Keith), and Sandra (infant).

Celebrating her life are children Dale (Mary), Allen (Rose), Sandra Wilkinson (John), Mary Dice (Tim), and Jimmy Benedetto (Kristine), grandchildren, Misti Chapman (Eric), John Dodson (Sarah), Christopher Dodson, Valerie Callow (Andrew), John Wilkinson (Christina), Carla Giudice (Alessio), John Dodson (Alie), Tony Dodson (Taylor), John Dice, Jeremy Dice, Cady Dice, and Dominick Benedetto, and great-grandchildren, Danielle Chapman, Ty Andrew and Jake Alexander Callow, Jovie Renee and Emily Grace Wilkinson, and Sofia Catherine and Michela Maria Giudice, as well as brothers, Roy (Pat), David “Terry” (Theo), and Gary (Kris).

The family offers sincerest thanks and gratitude to the section C-2 staff at Diversicare of Lake Highlands, Dallas, TX, especially J.J. and Oluchi, for exceptional care and for treating Gloria with dignity, respect, and love.

Her family and friends are her proud legacy, but she was an accomplished woman in her own right. As a teenager, she performed with the renowned Roger Wagner Chorale, sharing her beautiful coloratura voice as a soloist. Conquering a great fear, she ventured onstage and played her daughter, Mary’s, mother-in-law in a local production of Fiddler on the Roof. A talented seamstress, she made most of her daughters’ clothes during their school years, as well as many fashionable Barbie ensembles. Once her nest was empty, Gloria ventured into real estate and earned her license. She also discovered a love of cake decorating and won awards for her efforts, eventually using her talents to create charming graduation and wedding cakes. A good and faithful servant, she was active in St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church for as long as she was able. Gloria spent many afternoons and evenings enjoying card games, a passion shared with family and friends. Later years were spent watching grandchildren play sports and perform in plays and concerts, as well as attending outings and participating in arts and crafts at Diversicare.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Dementia Society of America, the American Diabetes Association, the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, the recreational activities center at Diversicare of Lake Highlands, or the Bellwood Woman’s Club (Richmond, VA) in her honor. The family also requests prayers for strength and thanks to God for the blessing of Gloria in the lives of all who knew her.