Janet S. Benckenstein

Janet Benckenstein, age 91, died November 28, 2013, in Coral Springs, Florida.
She was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Madison and obtained a masters in Art Education from St. Francis College in Fort Wayne, IN.
She was married to Ray Benckenstein for 47 years until his death in 1992. Janet taught elementary art through the Southwest Allen County Schools for 16 years, retiring in 1983. She was a well-loved teacher; many of her students continued to keep in touch with her long after they graduated.
In 1985 Janet began volunteering at Park Center, teaching art therapy and cooking a nutritious noon meal for 30 to 35 residents several days per week. She gave up this service after 19 years to devote more time to her love of watercolor painting.
She is survived by her daughter Patricia Rockwood of Sarasota, Florida, and her son John Benckenstein (Donna), of Coral Springs, Florida. Her daughter Barbara died in 2011. Janet has seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, and her ashes will be interred at the church columbarium alongside those of her husband, Ray.
Interment service date to be determined.