Obituary for Joanne Benkert
Joanne “Joanie” Benkert, age 55, passed away on July 16, 2020. She fought a courageous battle against cancer from her November 2018 diagnosis right up until her final moments. Joanne will be remembered for her strength, her humor, her generosity, and the love she showed others. She is a light that cannot be dimmed.
Joanne is survived by her son Joseph (Margaret) and her daughters Kaitlyn and Amy. She is also survived by her father Dennis McGee, her sister Diane McGee Bassett (Kenneth), and her brother John McGee. Joanne is also survived by a loving extended family including numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews as well as the Lindenhurst community to which she was deeply committed. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph, her mother Theresa McGee, and her stepfather Robert Brooks.
Joanne was a twenty-year member of the Lindenhurst Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She was named and recognized as President twice during her time with the Lindenhurst Fire Department. She was also a member of the Wyandanch Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She was a staple in both Fire Departments and to her Lindenhurst community, volunteering her time to the Lindenhurst Rainbow Center, as well as various community events and fundraisers.
Joanne was born on November 17, 1964 and married Joseph “Froggy” Benkert on March 12, 1989. They were married for seventeen years and together raised three children. Joseph was an active twelve-year firefighter with the Lindenhurst Fire Department. Following Joseph’s sudden death on July 20, 2006, Joanne followed in her husband’s legacy. She devoted her life not only to her community and to the Lindenhurst Fire Department, but to her three children.
“My child, I would never leave you; during your times of trial, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” Joanne’s three children, Joseph, Kaitlyn, and Amy will always have their guardian angel.
Joanne is survived by her son Joseph (Margaret) and her daughters Kaitlyn and Amy. She is also survived by her father Dennis McGee, her sister Diane McGee Bassett (Kenneth), and her brother John McGee. Joanne is also survived by a loving extended family including numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews as well as the Lindenhurst community to which she was deeply committed. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph, her mother Theresa McGee, and her stepfather Robert Brooks.
Joanne was a twenty-year member of the Lindenhurst Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She was named and recognized as President twice during her time with the Lindenhurst Fire Department. She was also a member of the Wyandanch Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She was a staple in both Fire Departments and to her Lindenhurst community, volunteering her time to the Lindenhurst Rainbow Center, as well as various community events and fundraisers.
Joanne was born on November 17, 1964 and married Joseph “Froggy” Benkert on March 12, 1989. They were married for seventeen years and together raised three children. Joseph was an active twelve-year firefighter with the Lindenhurst Fire Department. Following Joseph’s sudden death on July 20, 2006, Joanne followed in her husband’s legacy. She devoted her life not only to her community and to the Lindenhurst Fire Department, but to her three children.
“My child, I would never leave you; during your times of trial, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” Joanne’s three children, Joseph, Kaitlyn, and Amy will always have their guardian angel.