Mary Margaret Benfatti

Mary Margaret Collura Benfatti passed peacefully on Saturday, February 10th, 2024. Daughter of Angelo Collura and Angelina Fardella Collura, Mary was the youngest of three children. Salvador “Sonny” Collura (deceased) (Evelyn), Cecelia “Sissy” Collura Stout (John “Jack” Stout). Mary was formerly married to Louis Benfatti. She was also a companion to Clem Gurtner (deceased 2004). Mary is survived by her three children from her marriage to Louis Benfatti: Michael Joseph Benfatti, Mark Anthony Benfatti (Donna), and Melissa Ann Benfatti. Lovingly known as Mawzy, she has three grandchildren: Mandy Benfatti Pierre (Jean-Paul), Megan Benfatti Browning (Jeremy), and Dana Vicknair Phillpott (Alex). Mary has 7 great grandchildren: Reece Anthony Pierre (19), Camrin Faye Pierre (18), Baylor-Grace Pierre (12), Alynn Elise Pierre (10), Hudson Oliver Browning (4), Wade Elliott Phillpott (2), and Hannah Elise Browning (1).

Mary was born in New Orleans on April 13, 1938. She was a lifelong resident of Arabi, LA in St. Bernard Parish. She graduated from F.T. Nicholls High School in 1955. Throughout her life, Mary enjoyed dancing, playing cards, going to the casino, playing bingo, sports, and travel. Mary moved to Summerfield Senior Community in November of 2023 where she was having fun, meeting new friends, staying active and social. The family would like to thank everyone at Summerfield for their care and support during this difficult period. Mary had many wonderful friends and neighbors whom she considered family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and by the family who loved her. In Lieu of flowers please consider making a donation, in Mary’s honor, to ARC (Association of Retarded Citizens) 925 Labarre Road, Metairie LA 70001, 504.837.5105, website: arcgno.org.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial gathering to be held at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Friday, February 23, 2024 from 9:00 AM- 11:00 AM. A memorial mass will begin at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL GARDENS.

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