Anne Marie Benitez

Ann Marie. Benitez, 73 of Shirley Futch Plaza, East Stroudsburg, formerly of Jersey City, NJ; passed away Saturday evening at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Center, Bethlehem. Her last days were spent in love and peace surrounded by her daughters and grandchildren. She was supported and well taken care of by the Angels on the fourth floor at Good Shepherd who cared for her as if she was part of their family.

Born in New York City, NY on September 30, 1940, she was a daughter of the late James Allen and Marion Lee (Narrow) Lefluer.

In her earlier days, Ann Marie worked for the New York State Psychiatric Hospital. She served as President for the Muhlenberg Gardens Tenant Assoc. in Jersey City. Ann ultimately received her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Jersey City State College along her youngest daughters, all while solely raising her five daughters. As a single parent she worked tirelessly advocating for the New Jersey’s Hudson County “Head Start” program, ultimately working as part of the administrative staff for the children’s organization.

Ann Marie will be missed greatly by her family and friends as she was the patriarch and the corner stone of her family. Her smile would light up a room when she entered and her presence will be missed by many. She has touched so many lives and gave of herself selflessly; she treated everyone she met like family.

Surviving are her daughters, Linda Lima of Louisville, KY; Sheryl Valantin of Kearney, NJ; Julie Pokorney of Hackensack, NJ; Doreen Santiago and her husband Louis of Bushkill; and Dareen Everett of Bushkill; 15 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday December 26, 2013 at 4:00 P.M. at the Lanterman & Allen Funeral Home, Inc. 27 Washington Street, East Stroudsburg.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Lanterman & Allen Funeral Home, Inc. 27 Washington Street, East Stroudsburg, where online condolences can be made at www.lantermanallenfh.com