TOLEDO-Jean Doloris Benda, age 83, of Cedar Rapids and formerly of Toledo, died on Wednesday May 28, 2008 at Higley Mansion Residential Care Center in Cedar Rapids following a brief illness. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, June 2, 2008 at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama with Father Michael Mescher officiating. Interment will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Tama. Visitation will be Sunday, June 1, 2008 from 4-7 PM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama where a Rosary will be recited at 3:45 PM and a Vigil Service will be held at 7 PM.
Jean was born on November 14, 1924, in rural Tama County, the daughter of John and Mary (Whalen) Hagerty.
She received her education in rural schools, St. Patrick Catholic School and completed her education at Tama High School.
In 1948, she was united in marriage to Leo Benda at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama. They lived on a farm six and one half miles northeast of Toledo, where they operated a Grade A Dairy Farm. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama, where she was active in the C.C.W. Jean enjoyed playing cards, traveling, and baking, especially kolaches and apple pie. She also loved horses and riding them. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her family at reunions, sacramental and holiday gatherings. Jean's faith was a very important part of her life.
Preceding her in death were her parents; one son, Danny; and a brother, John Hagerty.
Survivors include her husband, Leo Benda of Cedar Rapids; her children, Rick Benda of Levittown, PA, Mark (Maureen) Benda of Atlanta, GA, Debbie (Randy) Enger of Carol Stream, IL, Diane (Pat) Allee of Freeport, IL, and MaryLynne (Ray) Shea of St. Charles, MO; fifteen grandchildren, Eric and Bridget Benda, Katie Ford, Leslie Perez, Greg and Steve Benda, Andrea, Dan, Drew and Derek Enger, Matt and Paula Allee, McKenzie, Madeleine and Ray Jr. Shea; four great-grandchildren, Henry, Isabella, Simon, and David Ford; two sisters, Sr. Gabrielle Hagerty B.V.M. of Mt. Carmel, Dubuque and Loretta Campbell of Marshalltown; one brother, Lawrence (Dorothy) Hagerty of Tama; and several nieces and nephews.
Jean's family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff of Higley Mansion Residential Care Center for their loving kindness and comfort given to both Jean and Leo.
A memorial fund has been established.