Diane Marie Benjack

Diane M. Benjack, 56, of Camillus, passed away Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at home. Born in Altoona, Pennsylvania, she was born on Thursday, September 3, 1953. She was raised by her grandparents, Harriet and Dennis Benjack Sr. in East Syracuse where she spent her childhood before moving to Camillus in 1987. A former communicant of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Diane was involved with many youth activities. She enjoyed working with children and taught religion with the CCD program. An avid gardener, she loved Bingo at the Turning Stone Casino and camping, especially at Selkirk Shores. She was everyone's mother and enjoyed holidays and having all the family together. Diane was predeceased by her father, Dennis Merva; grandparents, Harriet and Dennis Benjack Sr; brother, James Sanford Jr.; sister, Theresa Benjack; and step-father, James Sanford Sr. Surviving are her partner, Dennis Smith and daughter, Jessica Smith, both of Camillus; sons, James Casey Jr. of North Syracuse, Timothy Casey of Phoenix, and Dennis "Matthew" Smith of Camillus; her mother, Agnes Sanford of Portage, Pennsylvania; brothers and sisters, Patty Rousell of Portage, Pennsylvania, Sherry Johnson of Oswego, Mark Sanford and Laurie Sonaski, both of Pennsylvania, and Barbara Swortfiguer, Cynthia Vallier, Mary Matthews, and Dennis Benjack, all of East Syracuse; grandchildren, James III, Alyssa, Timothy Jr., Dillon and Emery; and many nieces and nephews. Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, January 11, 2010 at Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus and at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church where a funeral Mass will be celebrated. Relatives and friends may call Sunday, January 10, 2010 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the funeral home. Diane will be laid to rest in Assumption Cemetery, Syracuse. Contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Church, 5600 W. Genesee St., Camillus, NY 13031.