Janet Deborah Benesch

Janet Deborah Benesch, aged 87, peacefully passed away in the early morning hours of December 30, 2023, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Born on May 11, 1936, in the Brooklyn, New York City, she left behind a legacy of love, warmth, and exceptional achievements.

Janet is survived by her two sons, Charles and Seth Wohlberg and their families, as well as her stepdaughter, Rita Benesch. Her beloved family includes grand-children, Michael, Grace, Jesse, and Brandy as well as her great grandchild Ronan and extended family, nieces Paula and Marjorie. Predeceased by her younger sister, Carole and her beloved husband John, Janet’s circle of love extends to countless personal and professional friends that she met and impacted during her life.

Janet had a love for life and people. She was authentic and always engaging, loved learning, well read and equally tuned-in to world events, sports, and fashion trends. Notably, Janet had two successful careers, one as a devoted wife, mom, and homemaker and the second after returning to the workforce in her mid-thirties as a successful businesswoman ultimately rising to a partner at benefits consultant, Marsh McClennan. Janet was well respected by her work colleagues and her clients which became her lifelong friends.

Janet was raised in Rockville Centre where she attended South Side High School. Upon graduation she went to Wells College and then returned home to attend Hofstra University and to start a family. During this time, she lived in North Woodmere, Long Island and was an active participant in several charities, most notable Women’s American Ort. Always mindful of her own strengths and ambitions, after raising her two sons, she obtained her paralegal degree and later went on to become a Certified Benefits Consultant. In 1980 she married John Benesch. They lived and worked in New York City where they took advantage of the dynamism of the city as well as its cultural allure. John and Janet later moved to Floral Park where they resided for the last 30 years.

Janet was a global traveler having visited over 20 countries. Most recently, just a few years ago she traveled to the Mideast with her dear friends to the Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan. She loved playing tennis and golf during her adult life as well as watching both on TV. She was an avid reader of the New York Times and loved doing the Sunday crossword puzzle. Most of all she loved being with family and friends enjoying their company swapping stories about her children and grandchildren.

There will be a Memorial Service on Monday, January 1, 2024, at noon at Riverside North Chapel in Great Neck. The family will be sitting Shiva after the burial service and on Tuesday, 4 pm to 8 pm.

In lieu of flowers – please consider donating to the America Cancer Society to help individuals struggling with Cancer.