IRENE E. BENJAMIN Racine- Irene E. (nee: DeCaire) Benjamin, 85, passed on to eternal life at All Saints-St. Mary’s Medical Center on Monday, November 14, 2005. Irene was born in Cadott, WI on April 21, 1920 to the late Joseph and Anna (nee: Zillyette) DeCaire. On December 16, 1939 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church-Racine, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Erwin Benjamin, who preceded her in death on November 28, 1997. If you met Irene in Racine, Florida, Arizona, California, the Benjamin lake home in Waupaca or points in between, you’d know she was a pretty 5 ft 2 in fireball. She’d move you with her deep faith…her genuine hospitality and dignified mannerism. She might outbid you in a card game or let the grandkids win; get her point across without saying a word; and certainly out fish you 10 to 1. You would never leave her house without a homemade treat or maybe the newest craft item gift-wrapped with love and a giggle. This blend of competitive, playful nature captivated all, bonding her cherished family and longtime friends one to another. She will be greatly missed. Irene served the Racine Unified School District for over 10 years retiring in 1978. She was a longtime member of St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, a Girl Scout leader and Marian Award instructor. Surviving are her children, James (Dianthe) Benjamin of Branson, MO; Larry (Kathleen) Benjamin, David (Renee) Benjamin and Mary Ann (Gene) LaMartina; daughter-in-law, Donna DeCaire, all of Racine; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Mabel DeCaire of Omaha, NE and Lorna Benjamin of Tucson, AZ; and by many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Irene was preceded in death by her beloved son, Duane DeCaire; grandsons, Daniel, Scott and Dune DeCaire; and by 7 brothers and sisters. A Christian Burial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 19, 2005 at 10:30 am at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, 1903 Green Street, with Rev. Russel J. Stommel officiating, assisted by Jan Ruidl, a frequent visitor to Irene’s home. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery Garden Crypts. Visitation is being scheduled for Friday in the funeral home from 4:00 – 6:30 with a service of remembrance being shared at 6:30 pm. There will also be time to visit with the family at church on Saturday from 9:30-10:30 am. In memory of Irene, memorials to St. John Nepomuk, Senior Companion Program or to St. Catherine’s High School are encouraged. A special note of thanks is extended to Mom’s caring angels, Adriana Wilson, Mayola Baker and Karen Schuckman; to Drs. Zablotney and Johnson; and to all the staff at St. Mary’s-3B for the wonderful care and support that was so warmly extended to our Mom and to our family. Thanks to Rollie “What’s new?” Benzow for his daily visits and mail delivery, and to dear friend, Bev Scholzen, for keeping Mom’s hair beautiful. God bless all of you!
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