Obituary of Catherine Marie Benkovich

GENEVA- Catherine Marie Benkovich, 77, passed away peacefully on Wed. (Nov. 6, 2013), at Strong Memorial Hospital. Friends may call from 3 to 7 Mon. (Nov. 11), at the Palmisano-Mull Funeral Home LLC 28 Genesee St. Geneva. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tues. (Nov. 12), at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church in Geneva. Entombment will follow in St. Mary's Mausoleum. Contributions may be directed to the Strong Memorial Stroke Center 601 Elmwood Ave Rochester, NY 14642. Catherine was born on July 12, 1936, in Geneva, and was a daughter of the late Ralph and Mary (Pelligrosa) Calabrese. She attended St. Francis Parochial School in Geneva. Catherine was a member of the second class of the Geneva School of Practical Nursing. After graduating, she worked at Geneva General Hospital for many years. While at the hospital, she received the "Silver Bowl" award, given to her by the Chief Administrative CEO, Mr. Johnson. Catherine married Michael in May 1960 and had two children, Mary E. and Stephen M. Upon retirement, she worked as a cook manager at the West St. School in Geneva. Catherine was a member of the American Legion Winnek Post 396 Ladies Aux., serving on many committees and volunteering for many Legion functions, and was a USO attendant at the Sampson Air Force Base. Catherine was a devoted member of St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church in Geneva. She volunteered her time cleaning the church and rectory. Above all, Catherine loved her family, especially her grandchildren, Abby and Rachel. She is survived by her loving husband, Michael Benkovich of Geneva; children, Mary E. Benkovich of Rochester and Stephen M. (Deborah Weiss) Benkovich of Penfield; brothers, Ralph Calabrese, Michael (Sherry Ensinger) Calabrese and Paul (Bernadette Legott) Calabrese; grandchildren, Abigail Benkovich and Rachel Benkovich; several nieces and nephews. Catherine was predeceased by her sister-in-law (wife of Ralph Calabrese), Shirley (Townsend) Calabrese.