Bessie Camarata Benefiel

Bessie Camarata Benefiel passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on October 15, 2026. Born in Houston, Texas, to Joseph and Mary Camarata on January 11, 1938. She graduated from St. Agnes Academy and was a lifelong Houstonian.

Bessie found joy in tending the flowerbeds in her beautiful backyard, where many happy Easter egg hunts were held. She loved sewing and worked as a seamstress for several years creating costumes for AstroWorld. She worked many years at Weingarten Realty and enjoyed friendships with all of her co-workers. Above all, she treasured time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A devout Catholic throughout her life, Bessie was a member of the Altar Guild and served as group leader of the St. Cecilia Group. She was also an active member of the Ministry of Bereavement and Food Bank Ministry. She was always ready to lend a hand wherever one was needed.

Bessie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Walter Richard Benefiel and her parents, Joseph and Mary Camarata. She is survived by her children: Paula Albertson; Richard Benefiel Jr.; Joseph Benefiel (Paula); Nick Benefiel (Terry); and Sam Benefiel (Dawn). She is also survived by her siblings: AJ Camarata, Mary Jo Boultinghouse, Vicki Nicol, Manny Camarata, Cecilia Vann, Janice Camarata, Joseph Camarata, Regina Macal, and Julie Galloway; nine grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Bessie will be greatly missed as a mother, sister, grandmother, and beloved member of her family.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to our caregivers, Sylvia Alva, Diana Surugui, and Shemeka Scott. They became part of our family, and we could not have cared for our mom without their kindness, compassion, and devoted care. We will always be grateful for the love and support they gave her and our family.

The family would like to thank Your Choice Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion for our mom.

A visitation will be held on October 22, 2026 from 9:30 am to 10:00 am, with the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 10:00 am at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 3600 Brinkman Street, Houston, Texas 77018.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am. Immediately following the mass, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the parish hall. The Rite of Committal will be at 1:45 pm at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1101 Antoine Dr, Houston, Texas 77055.