Patricia "Pat" Bennett died Saturday, December 3rd due to complications from Covid, at the age of 78. She had spent the last several weeks, at home, with her 3 children, son-in-law & granddaughters. She had died as she had lived, strong, on her own terms, listening to music and enveloped in immense love & laughter.
Pat was born Patricia L. May, in Anaconda, MT. She grew up in Missoula, MT and attended business school in Spokane, WA where she met her husband, Robert, while he was stationed there in the service. After a whirlwind romance, they were married 7 months later and remained married until his death in 1998. She is the mother of 3 children Tim Bennett, Debra Bennett & Brenda Calhoun; additionally, she is the proud mother-in-law of Brian Calhoun and the two biggest loves of her life, her granddaughters Emily and Kenzie Calhoun. She has been the proud momma of her kitty, Sweetie and enjoyed spending time with her granddogs, Charlie & Alexandria.
She is also survived by her brother, Donald May, two sisters-in-law, Opal Goodenow & Lois Bennett, 7 nieces: Debbie, Linda, Sharon, Jenny, Chrissy, Tana & Nicole; 2 nephews Bobby & Justin, cousins Sandra, Sheila & Marianne, several great nieces and nephews, a grandson-in-law, Andrew Ellis and a large support system of longtime close friends.
In addition to being preceded in death by her husband, she has also endured the losses of both of her parents Lois (Bader) and Frank May, her brother, Frederick L May, her aunt Helen Stagg and a nephew, Gary Bennett.
To know Pat is to be privy to her infectious laugh & smile, her love of dancing & music as well as her zest for life. An avid golfer and bowler, she also enjoyed traveling, broadway shows and social events through her senior apartment. Pat had been able to remain in her own apartment throughout the majority of her decline from Dementia, Epilepsy and Parkinson's with the unrelenting support of her youngest daughter, Brenda. Pat had only recently needed to move in with her family when more care and supervision were required.
Her family would like to express their deepest gratitude to many members of the healthcare community. To her longtime Primary Care Physician Dr. Glenn McLintock and neurologists: Dr. Mike Weston & Dr. Eric Nagele; to her private caregiver Ms. Patricia and the exceptional bedside care of Cooper Hospital Med tech, Gina. To her hospice team: Amy, Jessica, Charlene & Leroy for the care and support to her and us during this most difficult time. Additionally, Cooper Hospital Palliative Care team members, Dr. Mary Kraemer and social worker Meghan Swavely. With the collective assistance and guidance of these dedicated healthcare workers, Pat's wishes were able to be honored to remain at home throughout the final weeks of her life.
Her memorial service will be held Wednesday, December 14th at FOSTER-WARNE FUNERAL HOME, 250 S. White Horse Pike Audubon, NJ 08106. Visitation will begin at 4:30pm-6:30pm with prayer beginning at 6:30pm, led by Chaplain Danielle Gilchrist, M. Div and followed by anyone who would like to speak of Pat until the service commences at 7pm.
Pat will be buried with her husband at a later date along with a memorial service for her Ohio family and friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Epilepsy Foundation at
www.epilepsy.com
or Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center at
homewardboundnj.org/donate
.
