Ladybirds » In Memory of Jennifer Bennett

In Memory of Jennifer Bennett0

Posted in Memorial on Sunday, August 9, 2009

Jennifer M. Bennett

LAVALE – Jennifer Marie Bennett, 62 of LaVale, passed away Thursday, August 6, 2009 at the WMHS-Braddock Campus.

Born June 13, 17 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Robert Gleason Joyner and Florence Blanch (Zappone) Joyner. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Robert Thomas Joyner.

Jennifer was employed by the Allegany County Board of Education in Special Education where she taught at Cash Valley Elementary. She taught Pre-K at George’s Creek Elementary School. She was a member of the School House Quilters, Creative Needles, and was a member of the Ladybird Singers. Jennifer was a member of SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church where she was a cantor and volunteered at St. Anthony’s Place. She was also involved with the Allegany County Special Olympics and Stage Left and other community theatre productions. Jennifer’s hobbies included quilting, scrapbooking, traveling, and she was an avid reader.

Surviving are her husband, John B. Bennett; one sister, Roberta Steinmetz and husband Albert, Nashville, Tennessee; nieces and nephews, Joan Quinn and husband Edward, Nashville, William Steinmetz and wife Carla, Merritt Island, Florida and Karen Pater and husband Bela, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; three great-nephews, Jean-Luc, Anton and Christopher;; and two great-nieces, Maura and Isabel; and many friends.

Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland, (at Scarpelli Funeral Home) on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. with Father Bernard Finerty, O.F.M., Cap. As celebrant.

Interment will be in Zion Reformed Church Cemetery.

The Ladybirds will miss Jennifer’s enthusiasm. Even when she was facing brain surgery, whenever we contacted her, her first statement was, “I want to come back and sing with the ladies.” She was so into music and drama and proved to be such an asset to the Ladybirds Barbershop Harmony Singers.

There are a number of pictures which include Jennifer in them, one of which shows her participating in the Radio Days Program at WCBC two days after her first rehearsal with the group. Jennifer could sight-read music and perform almost immediately and she DID! Loved it, too! Other pictures show her with the group at various parties and performances; she usually has a big smile on her face. Jennifer was a devoted Ladybird, and her husband John was quick to help the group with transportation of the ladies here and there, as was Jennifer herself when she was able to drive.

God Bless You, Jennifer. You will never be forgotten!

Love from the Ladybirds