Irene (nee Sicienski) S. Benbenek, passed peacefully into eternal rest with family by her side at Community General Hospital in Syracuse, New York, at the age of 87.

Irene was a retired Buffalo public school administrator, the matriarch of a loving family, and an avid outdoor enthusiast. She taught her children and grandchildren the joys of the natural world through family adventures near and far. In her later years, she enjoyed leisurely nature walks with dear companions at Stiglmeier Park near her home, observing the abundant wildlife, always with an open palm of seed for her beloved chickadees.

She also enjoyed reading, quilting and sewing and was a member of the Upsilon Sigma Chi, Catholic Biblical School, and Morningstar Quilting Guild and also retired from the Curtin Cupboard, a business she co-founded with her friend, Mary Guminski. Irene was an active member of St. Philip the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Cheektowaga, where she served as a Eucharistic minister.

She was the beloved wife of the late Frank Eugene Benbenek. They enjoyed 57 years of marriage. The caring and devoted mother of Mary Williamson, John (Mimi) Benbenek, Lawrence (Debra) Benbenek, and Vincent (Vesna) Benbenek.  And she was a loving mother figure to many of her children's friends.

A devotedly enthusiastic grandmother to Nathan, Rachel, Andrew, Carlie (Jon) Budnik, Julia, Brian (Nikki), Ashley, Austin, Ariana, Eli, and Alexander, and great-grandmother of Piper and Layla.

The cherished daughter of the late Sofia (nee Kwiestorowska) and late Joseph Sicienski and sister of the late Helen (late John) Lejwoda, late Angeline (late Robert) Kubisty, late Edward (late Dorothy), late Henry (late Helen), late Walter (late Joan) Sicienski, late Florence (late Ted) Stoklosa and a good friend of the late Albert and late Edward Dziedzic.

Several nieces and nephews also survived her.

The family will gather for a Celebration of Irene's life on Friday, October 7, 2022, from 3-7 pm at the PIETSZAK FUNERAL HOME, 2400 William Street, (near Harlem Road.)

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at St. Philip The Apostle Church, located at 950 Losson Road, in Cheektowaga, New York 14227 on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at 10 am.

Flowers are gratefully declined. The family appreciates your prayers and concerns during this time and would like to thank you for your support.

Please take a minute to share a picture in our online Photo Album or a favorite memory in our Guest Book here on Irene's Tribute page.