Mary Annie Elizabeth Hunt Benanti

Our dear mother, Mary Annie Elizabeth Hunt Benanti, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 3, 2025, at the age of 102. Mary was an amazing and dedicated wife/mother/sister/aunt/grandmother, great- & great-great grandmother, for over a century. She spread much happiness and love to all.

Mary resided in Boca Raton, Florida, and passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side, on Friday, January 3, 2025, in Margate, Florida.

Mary was born in Belfast, Ireland to her parents, James Hunt & Annie Brooks Hunt on May 29, 1922. She lived, went to school, and worked in Belfast until the age of 15 when the family moved to Leamington Spa/Coventry, England.

Shortly after surviving WWII, including bombs on their street and front yard, Mary moved to New York while her siblings moved around the globe including South Africa, Australia and the United States. Shortly after moving to New York, Mary met the love of her life, and the two had four daughters.

They accepted a career opportunity and moved the family to Maryland to own, operate, and live onsite at a motel. Doing well in the motel business, they upgraded to a larger one and both locations were a true family effort. In 1972, Mary and "Johnny" decided to move to Florida where they both happily spent the rest of their lives.

Mary was a super strength her whole life, showing that strength in hard times, and was very supportive for anyone in need. She was very caring and loving to her family which was always paramount for her. Bringing happiness, joy and laughter were her trademarks. Anytime anyone was sad, she would automatically cheer them up with her huge glistening smile, hugs, and warmth, and she would say, "Keep Smiling, Love!"

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, John; her sister, Eileen Fontana (Nicholas, her brother, James Hunt (Vera) of England/Australia.

Mary is survived by her four daughters: Mary Ann Benanti Baggette (Ron);

Carolyn Benanti Lindine (Frank); Linda Benanti; Theresa Benanti Campbell (Joe); her sister, Hilda Brooks Ferris; Six Grandchildren: Rachael Thompson (Bill), John Baggette (Melissa), James Baggette, Michael Lindine, Troy Andrew Campbell, Rebecca Brigid Campbell; Six Great-Grandchildren: Ryan Barrett, Matthew Thompson (Halleson); Hunter Thompson, Avery Baggette, Lennox Baggette, Veyda Baggette; and One Great-Great Grandchild: Oliver Thompson.

Visitation (10am-11am) and Funeral service (Catholic mass 11am-11:30am), Reception (11:30am - 1pm) and graveside service (1 pm-1:30pm) will be held at Kraeer Funeral Home & Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 200 West Copans

The graveside service will be held at Kraeer Funeral Home & Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, located at 200 W Copans Rd, Pompano Beach, FL 33064, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm on the same day.