Ella Mary Beneshan

Born to the late George and Sarah Schick in Kingston, she was the youngest of four children. She graduated from Kingston High School in the Class of 1935. In 1940, Ella married the love of her life, S. Conrad Beneshan, and they began their life together in Washington, D.C. Their two sons, Bob and Joe, were born there. They moved several times as Conrad got promoted, finally settling down in Denville, New Jersey, in 1951, where Ella has remained ever since. Once her children were attending high school, Ella found her niche working for the Mennen Company in Morris Plains, New Jersey. She worked there for 25 years, retiring in 1982 as the data processing control clerk.

Ella had many passions in this life, including gardening — both flowers and vegetables — yard work, and anything outdoors such as camping, swimming and boating. She also enjoyed shopping and had many good lunches with friends. Most of all, she loved dancing. The dance floor is where she met Conrad, and they danced their way through life together. Ella and Conrad spent many happy summers camping at Fish Creek and dancing at the Lake Placid Club. She had an unrivaled zest for life and was always ready for the next adventure, whatever that may be.

Genuinely caring and generous, Ella broke the mold when she was born. She was an attentive housewife, a compassionate and loving mother, and also an ambitious, independent, smart and strong woman. She truly did it all. When she became a grandmother, the sun rose and set on her adored grandchildren. Her family always came first in her life. Although we are saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing she and Conrad are dancing together again, watching out for all of us from Heaven.

She leaves behind joyful memories for her loving family. She is survived by her son Dr. Bob Beneshan and his wife Mary Barcus in Black Horse Run, Indianland, South Carolina; her son Joseph Beneshan Sr. and his wife Patricia Beneshan of Lake Placid; her grandchildren Lara Beneshan, Joseph Beneshan Jr., Adam Beneshan, Robert Beneshan and Mike Beneshan. She is also survived by her nieces Lois Munson, Lois Young, and Kathy “Kate” McLaughlin, as well as great nieces and nephews, and their extended families whom she loved dearly. She also leaves many happy memories for her dear friends and neighbors.

All services will be private. Memorial donations are being accepted in Ella’s memory to the Market Street Mission by way of www.inmemof.org. Please visit www.normandean.com to continue to celebrate the life that she shared with us.