She was born in Staten Island, NY on November 14, 1954, daughter of the late Reuben and Blanche Gross. She is survived by her partner, Karl Hoedl, her daughters, Mikaela and Ilana Gross, and two granddogs, Stella and Dante. She is also survived by six siblings, Avery(Harriet), Deni(Fred), Shuly, Judy(Marc), Naomi(Jossi), Donn and numerous nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by brothers David and Alex.
She graduated with Highest Honors from Richmond College, CUNY in 1976. She was valedictorian and Student Body President. She then studied at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, receiving her M.D. in 1981, and returned to do a residency there in obstetrics and gynecology. At the time of her diagnosis of ALS, she was Chief Medical Officer & Medical Director at Planned Parenthood – Hudson Peconic.
Throughout her life, Benita was an outspoken advocate of a woman’s right to choose and a pioneering member of the LGBT movement. She was one of the early volunteers with SAGE, working with gay senior citizens.
Benita’s passions included spinning, knitting and weaving, as well as producing fine lace and bead work. She visited any country, museum or county fair where there was a hint of these or similar artisanal crafts. One of her favorites was the Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY, where teams compete in a timed contest that begins with shearing a sheep and ends with spinning and weaving a finished product.
Always open-minded, intellectually curious and up for an adventure, Benita moved to New Zealand at the age of 59 for nearly a year, for a truly once-in-a-lifetime chance to mix work and play. There she worked in women’s healthcare during the week and spent every weekend exploring the nation’s hiking trails, bicycling, and interacting with knitting and spinning communities.
The family is grateful to Roberta Cardozo and the MAC Angels for their incredible compassion and help throughout Benita’s illness.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Benita to:
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.9.5