Mary Ann Benz, 72, Altoona, passed away Friday at Valley View Home.
She was born in Baltimore, Md., daughter of the late Herman H. and M. Rita (Wiedemer) Porta. She married Walter G. "Pete" Benz on July 13, 1960. He died on Nov. 15, 2004.
She is survived by a daughter, Sharon (Jeffery) Weigand; a son, Jeffrey Benz; two sisters: Regina (Tom) Sharpe and Patricia Aikens; and two brothers: John Porta and Robert (Candy) Porta, all from Altoona; three grandchildren: Christopher and Matthew Weigand and April (Matt) Gergely; and four great-grandchildren: Lily and Cooper Gergely and Ahyrianna and Hayley Weigand.
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Mary Ann was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, where she was a highly dedicated secretary to the parish and the Franciscan Friars for 37 years.
She was a 1958 graduate of Altoona High School.
Mary was the recipient of the Prince Gallitzin Cross Award, given by the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese.
She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed her trips to the casinos with her friend Barb and going to dinner with her sisters and friends.
Friends will be received from 2 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 18, 2013, in the Santella Funeral Home, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Restoration Fund.
