Obituaries

Monica Lynn Bennett passed into the arms of her Lord Jesus on Aug. 15, 2022, after a three year battle with ovarian cancer at the age of fifty-three. She was surrounded by her son Eric, twin sister Jennifer Gillette and parents Russ and Marla Blowers.

Monica was born at Washington Hospital, Fremont, and lived in Newark since 1971. She attended Newark schools and graduated from Newark Memorial High School in 1987. She became an Early Childhood Education aid and then went to work as a Nanny for the next seventeen years, raising eight dear children from birth onward. Many of these now young adults came to visit Monica in the last month to thank her for being so important in their lives.

Her son Eric was the light of her life. Her love and devotion to him is reflected in the wonderful young man he has grown into. Monica lived to see him graduate from Newark Memorial High School and gain acceptance to UC DAVIS, majoring in Biology. She had many dear friends who remained close since elementary school. She loved her friends and considered them family.

Monica worked at Haller’s Medical Supply for fourteen years and was Manager for much of that time. She enjoyed her co-workers who were like family to her.

Monica loved Christmas and all things Disney. She collected Nativity sets, enjoyed going to paint nights and loved to paint sculptures of Santas from around the world. She was a voracious reader from a very young age and instilled that love in Eric. She and Eric loved to go camping in the Redwoods from the time he was two years old.

Happy family times included birthday celebrations, Christmas and Easter dinners, games of dice, cribbage, and cards. She and Jennifer shared a wicked sense of humor and a deep love for each other. At one time, she and Jennifer, Mom and Dad all belonged to Optimist International, St Paul United Methodist Church and later, Centerville Presbyterian Church. She was a member of Job’s Daughter, Bethel 253.

Her stillborn daughter Nikki Rose Bennett predeceased her in 2003, along with her grandparents. Those left to cherish her memory include Eric Russell Bennett, Russ and Marla Blowers, Jennifer and Mark Gillette, along with a host of friends and extended family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, 1PM, at the Centerville Presbyterian Church, 4360 Central Ave, Fremont, CA 94536. Light refreshments will be served afterwards. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the American Cancer Society in her name would be deeply appreciated.