Eileen Patricia “Pat” (Connors) Benedetto of Ann Arbor, Michigan passed away on December 4, 2021 at the age of 90 after a brief illness. Patricia was born on August 30, 1931, in Dobbs Ferry, New York and grew up in nearby Irvington, New York. She received her Bachelors from Hunter College in 1953 and a Masters in Education from the University of Michigan, in 1961. While at Michigan, Patricia met her husband, Henry, at the Newman Center at St. Mary’s Student Parish. Patricia and Henry raised their family in Matawan, New Jersey, where she resided for 50 years. After taking time off to raise her family, Patricia taught Special Education in the Matawan and Union Beach public school systems for 37 years. She retired in 2013 at the age of 82.

Patricia and Henry were the cornerstone of their large, loving family. They helped orchestrate many family get-togethers that became enduring traditions. While living in New Jersey, Patricia was able to spend most weekends with her daughters and their families. In 2013, Patricia moved to Ann Arbor to be close to her sons and their families. Most recently, Patricia lived in the Glacier Hills senior community, where she loved the “free” concerts and her afternoon coffee times with her friends.

Patricia was a person of strong faith. She was a daily communicant who was active in many faith-based groups. In New Jersey, she was a member of St Benedict’s parish in Holmdel, NJ, Opus Dei in Princeton, NJ and the Peace of Christ prayer group in Red Bank, NJ. Since moving to Ann Arbor she attended Christ the King parish, Ave Maria Chapel and the Word of Life community.

As an active member of the New Jersey UM Alumni Club, Patricia participated for many years in high school recruiting throughout the state of New Jersey. She also held the position of Vice President of the Eastern District of the national UM Alumni Association. For fun, Patricia enjoyed reading and sharing articles from the New York Times, attending concerts in New York City and dining out. She was always thinking of others and loved a good deal.

Patricia is survived by her four children, Maura Mills, Hank (Dana) Benedetto, Jean (Rich) Clifton, and Peter (Cecilia) Benedetto; 15 grandchildren, Katie Benedetto, Meg Benedetto, Erin (Mark) Haslinger, Peter Benedetto, John (Adriana) Benedetto, Catherine (Jamie) Mills, Gina (Matthew) Quinn, Sophia Benedetto, Kevin Clifton, Sean Clifton, Juan Pablo Benedetto, Antonio Benedetto, Ani Benedetto, Javier Benedetto, and Emilia Benedetto; four great-grandchildren, Luca, Rory, Angelo, and Felicity; brothers, Gene (Tina) Connors and Kevin (Marilyn) Connors.

She was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Henry; her parents, Edward and Eileen Connors; brothers, Terence Connors and Fr. Brocard Connors; sister, Mary Esther (Luke) Sweeney; and grandchild, Hope Marie Benedetto.

Patricia will be greatly missed by her family and friends, but they are comforted by the knowledge that she lived a life of faith and hope in a faithful and merciful God.

Visitation will be held at the Nie Funeral Home, 3767 W. Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103, on Friday, December 10, 2021 from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm (a Time of Sharing will be held at 6:00 pm). The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 11:00 am at Christ the King Parish, 4000 Ave Maria Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48105 and will be presided over by her nephew, Monsignor Luke Sweeney.

There will be a live stream of the funeral service at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KzjwW6ar-Q. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing COVID concerns there will not be a public reception after the funeral mass. Patricia will be buried at St. Catharine’s Cemetery in Sea Girt, New Jersey at a later date.