Obituary of Jane Benz

Jane Frances (Dwyer) Benz of Providence and Narragansett passed away unexpectedly on September 2, 2016. The beloved wife of the late Edwin H. Benz, she was born in Providence, RI the daughter of the late Francis M. and Margaret E. (Harrington) Dwyer. A woman of strong faith, humor, intellect and conviction, Jane was the cherished mother of Margaret “Peggy” Benz of Narragansett, Kathleen B. Cronin (Kevin) of Charlestown, Edwin H. “Ted” Benz, Jr. (Christine) of North Smithfield, Dr. Francis M. “ Frank” Benz (Dr. Wendy Lee) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Eileen J, , Maureen R., and Sara L. Benz of Providence. She was the proud ‘Gramma Jane’ to her adored grandchildren, Andy Benz of Philadelphia, PA, Max and Nick Benz of North Smithfield. Alex, Christian and Isabella Benz of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She was the much-loved sister of Kathleen F. Dwyer, Mary A. Caporelli, Margaret “Peg” Morrow, Francis M. Dwyer (Emmy), and Barbara A. Dwyer (Jack Quigley). Jane leaves behind many treasured nieces, nephews and countless friends. Jane was a very selfless and caring woman. Volunteering her time at St. Augustine School, St. Patrick High School, and Our Lady of Providence High School as her children grew. With her friends Rita and Norma, she volunteered for many years in the sacristy at St. Augustine Church. Jane was a Past- President and member of the St. Augustine Rosary and Altar Society in addition to being a Captain and Secretary for the 50 Week Interest Club with David and Leslie. For the last 12 years, Jane was a participant in the monthly “Morning Apart” group, discussing contemporary Catholic Church philosophy and thought led by her friends Sisters Carol and Ellen, of the Sisters of St. Ursula and her close friends. She also was a member and past president of the Sundial Garden Club, on occasion and much to her astonishment winning a Blue Ribbons. She was a founding member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Bessie Bradley Division 12. She was also a long time member of the Galilee Beach Club, whose tale of a legendary rescue of several children from the jaws of a shark lives on. She was also a proud member of the Newport Creamery Half Gallon Club. Her secretarial career started at the VA Regional office, Drs. Fish & Beck and finally at her husband’s company, which is still run by her son and daughter, The Edwin H. Benz Company. Jane was an interested follower of national statewide politics and events. People who knew never called Jane during the airing of A Lively Experiment, the only television program that she faithfully watched. It was expected that the shows topics and panelists would be thoroughly discussed during following week. She was an avid reader, most recently with the North Providence Mystery and Jessica’s Book Clubs. Jane was a daily reader of the Providence Journal starting with the comics, then the Editorials and finally going on to the “Irish Sports Pages”- you made it mom. Our mother was all about family and friends who nourished her, and her faith which sustained her. We would like to thank South County Hospital, South County Orthopedics, and Scallop Shell Nursing and Rehabilitation Center who all took such exceptional care of our mother. Calling hours Friday 4 to 8 pm from Hoey-Arpin-Williams-King 168 Academy Avenue Providence. Mass of Christian burial Saturday September 10th at 10 am in St. Augustine Church Mt. Pleasant Ave. Providence. Please omit flowers. Donations may be made to St. Augustine Church, Providence or to St. Mary’s Star of the Sea, Narragansett, RI.