Jean M Bennett

Jean Marie (Caria) Bennett, 95, of Stewart Manor, New York, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 13, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Richard F. Bennett.

Born in Astoria, Queens, to Frank and Adele Caria, Jean lived a life devoted to her family and those she loved. She began her career with Pan American Airlines, which sparked a lifelong passion for travel and adventure. Though she later became a stay-at-home mother, she remained deeply involved in her community, serving as a Girl Scout leader for her daughters and volunteering faithfully at St. Anne’s Church and School until her 90th birthday.

When her father retired, Jean took over management of the family’s transportation company that served professional sports teams, allowing her husband to continue the business until its closure in 2010 after 120 years. As her daughters grew, she discovered her artistic talent as a ceramicist. She turned this passion into a home-based business, teaching others and creating a joyful creative outlet for many. This work continued until 2020, when age and the pandemic led her to retire. The friendships she formed over those 45 years, along with her longtime travel companions, brought her lasting meaning and countless cherished stories.

She is survived by her loving children, Kim Bennett of Stewart Manor, New York, and Susan Stambules and her husband Angelo of Aurora, Colorado; her cherished grandson, Dean Stambules; her treasured sister, Arlene White; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.