From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Maria Viktoria Benkert, 99, Vero Beach
January 01, 1922 – March 10, 2021
Maria Viktoria Benkert lived 99 beautiful years! Maria passed peacefully on Wednesday, March 10th at Renaissance Senior Living of Vero Beach, where she was loved by the staff and her neighbors for her beautiful smile and cheerful caring personality.
Maria was born January 1, 1922 in Hausen, a small village in Germany and raised by her grandparents after losing her mother and twin at birth. She travelled to America alone when she was just 12 years old, landed at Ellis Island and then lived with her aunt in Queens, N.Y. She was married to her loving husband Otto for 53 yrs. They met when she applied for a job at his bakery, which they then ran together for over 30 yrs. Maria loved being a wife and mom, entertaining, playing cards, bowling, gardening, and dancing with her dear Otto.
Maria & Otto moved to Vero in 1975 and she was president of her condo association at Heatherway for the next 30 yrs.
Maria was a wonderful, loyal, loving woman and she will be greatly missed by her children and spouses: son, Albert (Konnie) Benkert and daughter, Diane (Jack) Mello, grandchildren, and spouses: Michael (Caroline), Jean (Tim) and Diana (Ray) and great grandchildren Jessica & Joseph.
A private graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Fort Pierce. A celebration of Maria’s life will be held at The Renaissance on Thursday, March 18 at 3:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VNA & Hospice Foundation, 920 37th Place, Suite 101, Vero Beach 32960, in her memory.
