Brinkhaus-Benoit, Cecilia E. of Westwood and formerly of Needham, died after battling a chronic illness on May 20th. She is survived by her children Robert H. Benoit of Worcester and Christiana Benoit of Millis. Also survived by her parents Heinz and Julia Brinkhaus of Needham and Falmouth. Survived by her siblings Heinz and Cynthia Brinkhaus of Needham, Joanie and Richard Holmes of Acton, Erik and Mimi Brinkhaus of Needham, Stephanie and Paul Walsh of Norfolk and Christopher and Jana Brinkhaus of Needham. Also survived by 16 nieces and nephews as well as many extended family in Germany.
Cecilia was a graduate of Needham High School class of 1981, Northeastern University School of Nursing Class of 1986 and had a successful career. She worked at Clara Barton Camp, Children’s Hospital, Deutsches Altenheim, and as a director of nursing at facilities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Cecilia was a loving mother, adored daughter, "twisted sister" and caring friend. Cecilia had a craving for life; she traveled across the world and most of all loved sticking her toes in the sand while at her parents’ home in Cape Cod. Her endless humor and contagious smile allowed her to make meaningful connections in every chapter of her life. Cecilia will be missed more than she knows and we will all take her most recent advice to stay "humble and kind."
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave. NEEDHAM, Thursday at 9AM followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Bartholomew Church, Needham at 10AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Wednesday 4-8pm. Interment in St. Mary Cemetery, Needham. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Barton Center for Diabetes Education, Inc. P.O. Box 356 North Oxford, MA 01537.