Carolyn A. Bench

Carolyn A. Bench, 72, of Elbridge, passed away Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at home. Born in Syracuse on Sunday, March 6, 1938 and raised in the Town of Camillus, she was the daughter of Willard Forward and Dorothy Voigt Forward. She was an extraordinary person who loved her family and many friends. Carolyn gave her all at everything she did, no matter what the sacrifice. After earning her degree at the former Central City Business Institute, she started her career at the former Sylvania Center in Camillus as a secretary. Carolyn and her husband John owned and operated Long John's Grocery Store. She also worked at the family business, Camillus Country Club, Top O’ the Hill and Camillus Elks Lodge. She bowled for many years at the former Raab's Bowling Alley in Camillus. She was a member of the Camillus Elks Lodge #2367. Carolyn was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, John, on September 23, 2010; parents, Willard and Dorothy Forward; and sister, Dorothy Pisconski. Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Robyn White and Tad Barrett of Elbridge; son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Linda Bench of San Antonio, Texas; sister, Norma Dauenhauer of Elbridge; brother, Bill Forward of Aliceville, Alabama; brother-in-law, Chuck Pisconski of Plymouth, Connecticut; grandchildren, Shawn, Courtney, Francisca and Lhiza; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Relatives and friends may call Thursday, February 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus with a Camillus Elks Lodge service at 6:30 p.m. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, February 18 at the funeral home with Rev. Gary Ferner officiating. Carolyn will be laid to rest in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Camillus Elks Lodge #2367, P.O. Box 396, Camillus, NY 13031.