Lucia Reyes Bennett

Bennett passed away on 10-25-2016 , at 93 years of age, surrounded by her loving family.

She was one of four siblings to include Frederico Reyes (deceased), Maria Reyes Miller and Julio

Reyes (deceased). Lucia is preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Francis Bridgeman

Bennett. She is survived by their six children Lucia Yandell (Brad), Brigid Bennett, Mercedes

Bennett, Josephine Bennett, Monica Bennett, and Francis Bennett II (Diane) as well as two

grandchildren Elizabeth Bennett and the Honorable Francis Bennett III.

Lucia Bennett worked as a movie extra in Hollywood films during her childhood years.

She studied pre-nursing at the Los Angeles Community College where she achieved the status of

a Nurse Cadet. Lucia obtained her Registered Nurse credential from the Los Angeles County

Hospital Nursing Program in 1945 and worked as a nurse with the Los Angeles County General

Hospital from 1947 to 1950. She also studied Liberal Arts at the University of Mexico Summer

Liberal Arts Program in 1947 and 1950.

In 1950 Lucia received her commission in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps. From 1950 to

1956 her duty stations included U.S. Navy Hospitals in Great Lakes Illinois, Oakland California,

Sangley Point in the Luzon Province of the Republic of the Phillippines, Yokuska Japan, and the

Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, California. Lucia was commended with the National

Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal.

Lucia received her Bachelor of Science Degree in 1962 from the Sacred Heart School for

Women, now known as the University of San Diego. Lucia was honored as a Golden Torero in

2012.

Lucia Bennett’s commitment to community service included participation in the Saint

Charles Academy Parent Teacher Organization, The San Diego Diocesan Priesthood Selection

Committee, the Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance Program, the House of Rachel

Women’s Center, the Sacred Heart Alumni Association, and The Immaculata Catholic Church.

Lucia’s greatest work was as a wife to Francis and mother to the Bennett family. Lucia

retired from the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps as a Lieutenant in 1956 when she married Francis.

Francis Bennett was a career naval officer before he retired from the Navy as a Lieutenant

Commander. He then pursued a second career as a successful lawyer. Lucia enjoyed travel,

crafting, her parish life and spending time with her family.

The Visitation will be on Thursday 11-03-2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m followed by

the Rosary at 5:30 p.m. The mass in celebration of Lucia’s life will be on Friday 11-04-2016 at

10:00 a.m.. All services will be held at the Immaculata Catholic Church, 5998 Alcala Park, San

Diego, Ca 92110.

Arrangements under the direction of Pacific Beach Chapel, San Diego, CA.