Obituary of Wanda Ann Benz

Wanda Ann Benz (Ponichtera), a lifelong resident of Syracuse, NY passed away January 29 at the age of 79. She was a loving and devoted wife for over 54 years and was a caring and attentive mother and grandmother. Her immediate family of husband Louis Benz; 4 children: Kathi Krohl (Benz; married David Krohl), Cheri Davenport (Benz, husband Mark Davenport), David Benz (previously married to Sacha Benz (Devereux)) and Tami Benz are all deeply saddened by her passing.  She is additionally survived by her two sisters: Rose Flynn (Ponichtera, married to John Flynn) and Dolores Oberton (Ponichtera, married to Jim Oberton) and three grandsons: Matt Sampere, Tim Sampere and Brendan Benz.  Wanda was a 1957 graduate of St. Vincent de Paul High School and worked briefly at Aerofin Corp. before beginning her adventure as a full-time wife and mother in 1964. She eventually returned to the workforce with a position in the Special Ed division of the Syracuse City School District where she worked until retirement in 2002. Wanda was a parishioner at Blessed Sacrament Church where she volunteered her time in numerous roles and was a member of both the Altar Rosary Society and Legion of Mary.  She cherished spending time with family and friends, enjoyed a good laugh and loved to shop, travel, play cards and decorate her house for EVERY holiday!  (For more on Wanda's life please visit: www.everloved.com/life-of/wanda-benz).
Calling hours will be Friday (2/8) from 4-7pm at Goddard-Crandall-Shepardson Funeral Home, 3111 James St.  Funeral services will be Saturday (2/9) at 9:30am at Blessed Sacrament Church followed by burial at Assumption Cemetery. If you wish to send cards or flowers please direct them to the funeral home though a donation in her name to the food pantry where she volunteered is also a welcome alternative. (Blessed Sacrament Outreach Program; 3127 James St, Syracuse NY 13206).