Mary C. DeBenedictis, 86 of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks, California with family by her side.
She is survived by her sons, Vincent M. DeBenedictis and his wife, Julie of Agoura Hills, California, Mark F. DeBenedictis of New York, and her sister-in-law, Geraldine DeBenedictis of Quincy; three grandsons; Blake DeBenedictis of Agoura Hills, California, Joshua Destefano and Nathaniel Destefano of Kentucky and many nephews and nieces. Mary was predeceased by her father Coleman Coyne, mother Katherine Coyne (Ridge), her brother Jack Coyne, her first husband Leone Destefano and son Leone C. Destefano, and her second husband, Vincent R. DeBenedictis.
Mary was born in Boston, the daughter of Coleman Coyne and Katherine (Ridge) Coyne on May 12, 1928. By coincidence, Mary and her husband Vincent shared the same birth date. After graduating high school in Boston, Mary went on to have a successful career as a fashion model in Boston and worked closely with her first husband who was an aspiring artist and hat designer. In addition, she worked for the trust department for a local bank in Boston before moving to Worcester to raise her family. Mary worked for the Medical Bureau of Economics in the collection department and also spent many years as a receptionist for her good friend, Harrison Neylon, at Harrison Hair Stylists before retiring. She was actively involved with the woman’s club at Worcester State College Not only did she regularly attended mass at Christ the King Church, Mary, known as the “Diva”, was an active member of the church choir for over 30 years.
In her free time, Mary enjoyed reading, cross word puzzles, listening to music (Opera and Classical were her favorites) and tending to her African Violets. She frequently attended the Huntington Theatre in Boston and concerts at Mechanics Hall in Worcester with her husband and their friends.
Her funeral will be on held on Friday, February 13, 2015 from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street, Worcester. Calling hours are Thursday, February 12, 2015 from 4:00 until 6:00 PM. A private burial will be held at The Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org or 1-800-272-3900).