Lifelong Santa Cruz Resident

Maureen Benito passed away at her home with her family by her side. She was 89. Born inSanta Cruz on July 21, 1935, the daughter of Frank G. Bregante and Lena Toccalini Bregante. She grew up on the west side of Santa Cruz where she attended Bay View Elementary School and was agraduate of Santa Cruz High, Class of 1953. As ayoung woman she worked for the Santa Cruz County Courts as a Stenographer. Following her high school graduation she married her childhood sweetheart, Norman J. Benito. The couple were married in Holy Cross Catholic Church. Following Norman’s military service, the couple made their home in Santa Cruz, where Maureen was a homemaker supporting her husband and a dedicated mother. Maureen was involved in the PTA and also ran the concession stand for the Santa Cruz Little League at Harvey West Park.

In 1976 Maureen along with her husband Norman opened a funeral home, Norman’s Family Chapel in the former West Foods Office building on Soquel Drive. Norman’s Family Chapel was a truly family run business.

Their son Gary and Norman and Maureen’s parents were all involved. During those years, Maureen was instrumental in the running of the business handling most of the administrative and bookkeeping duties. She also was a driving force, ensuring that client families were treated with dignity and compassion as they experienced the loss of their loved ones.

Maureen was a member of the Women’s Guild of the Dominican Hospital Foundation and was instrumental in the organization of the Holidays d Eleganz Gala and Fashion Show for many years. She was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, the Italian Catholic Federation Santa Cruz Branch #21 and Aptos Branch #227. She was a former member of the Sons of Italy and the Young Ladies Institute.

Maureen was fun loving. She enjoyed social gatherings and spending time with family and friends. She loved to travel having visited many places throughout the United States, Europe and the Orient. She also made numerous trips to Hawaii. Many of her travel adventures were taken with lifelong friends the experience of which, she cherished.

She was an avid gambler, from Black Jack to Poker, she enjoyed them all. It would not be uncommon to find her in Lake Tahoe playing in aPoker tournament or at the card clubs in San Jose where she made many enduring friendships.

She is survived by her son, Gary Benito and his wife Valerie of Santa Cruz and her granddaughter Emily Benito of Reno, NV. She is also survived by aloving extended family that included numerous cousins, especially her cousin, Corinne Niven who lovingly cared for her as she approached her final days. And Corinne’s daughter Camille who she thought of as a granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman J. Benito and her parents Frank and Lena Bregante.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church 126 High St, Santa Cruz, CA on Thursday January 23, 2025 beginning at 11 a.m. A vigil service will be held at Benito &Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel 1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA on Wednesday January 22, beginning at 6 p.m. Visitation will be held at Benito &Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel on Wednesday from 4 p.m. until the vigil begins. A private entombment will be in Santa Cruz Memorial Park.

The Benito family wishes to extend their deep and heartfelt appreciation to Myrna Smith, Jackie Tucker and Maureen’s caregivers for their dedication and loving care during her final days.

In lieu of flowers contributions to your favorite charity are preferred.