Obituary of Patricia A. Benavitch

Patricia Ann Benavitch (née Smith), of Forked River, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 81 years young.

Patricia, lovingly known as Pat or Miss Pat, is survived by her two daughters, Ellen Stefaniak and her husband Alexander of Somerset & Katherine Rossi and her husband Matthew of Madison; one son Richard Benavitch and his wife Faith of Forked River; three cherished grandchildren, Alexander Thomas Stefaniak, Sarah Marie Stefaniak and Kaitlyn Victoria Henkes; her lifelong friend and sister, Annette Soos; her beloved dog, Trinity; and several extended family members and dear friends. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Richard John Benavitch in 2008 and her parents, Thomas John Smith in 1981 and Bertha Natalie Smith in 2003.

Pat was born on February 2, 1943, in Elizabeth. She was raised in Elizabeth and was a graduate of Battin High School. 

Pat married Richard and they settled in Roselle Park where they raised their family. She was a wonderful mother and everything she did in life was for the ones she loved. She enjoyed baking and cooking for everyone, especially Christmas cookies and Babka with her grandchildren. She always made sure all were well fed. She was a beloved Girl Scout leader who looked out not only for her girls but for the other leaders as well, making sure everyone had what they needed. She was active in the Roselle Park Marching Band Parent’s Association during her daughter Katherine’s high school career, holding the position of President for many of those years. She was also a talented seamstress and quilt maker, making handmade items for her family and friends. Most beloved were her daughter’s wedding gowns. 

Pat retired from the American Water Company in 2003, previously Elizabethtown Water Company, where she held several positions.

Pat loved life and she wasn’t afraid to get up and dance. She loved her dogs, visiting the swans at the lake, spending time on the beach and the peacefulness of relaxing near the water, especially in Cape May. She also appreciated the small things in life like chocolate and shopping trips. She loved art and many things such as antique furniture, history, classic cars and collecting sewing machines. 

Pat was an avid gardener and had a special way with house plants. She had a natural ability to get any plant to grow and thrive just by sticking it in some dirt.  She loved to read, play games (online and in person), explore family history, and learn about American history, especially important events and battles.

Pat loved being a grandmother and called Grandma/Oma. She was so very proud of the accomplishments of her three grandchildren. She took pride in all of them making sure to make it to dance recitals, concerts, theatrical performances, and band competitions alike. She loved to just sit and talk with them letting them to open up in a way they didn’t with others.

Pat was a treasured mother, a very special grandmother, and an amazing friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is at peace with the Lord.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to the visitation that will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Patricia will be celebrated on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. Those who are unable to attend in person may attend the Mass virtually by visiting www.svmnj.org and following instructions for live-stream Mass viewing.

Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Westfield.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Patricia’s honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 and/or the American Red Cross, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839