Lorraine Margaret (Charneski) Bennett, 81, of Fulton, IL, died Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at home surrounded by her family.
Lorraine was born on February 13, 1936, to Edward and Esther (Pugh) Charneski in Savanna, IL. She attended schools in Savanna, St. Mary’s Catholic School in Clinton, IA, and also Clinton High School. She married John “Jack” M. Bennett, Sr. on October 19, 1957, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fulton. Lorraine and Jack recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Lorraine was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fulton and most recently St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Albany, IL. She served as President of the Altar and Rosary Society and was on the Rockford Catholic Women Committee. Lorraine was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, taught CCD, and helped to organize the startup of T-Ball for Fulton Recreation Corp. She loved attending the activities of her children and grandchildren, and especially enjoyed family get-togethers. Lorraine worked at the Clinton Garment Factory, did home sales for Studio Girl, worked several years at Berg Pharmacy, and especially enjoyed selling Home Interior, at which she was very successful. When her children were growing, she would babysit children of family and friends. Lorraine did extensive needlework and crocheting, making many afghans for family and friends. She enjoyed decorating her home, arranging flowers, cooking, and baking. Lorraine and Jack designed and built their home in 1993. She enjoyed being with her family, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include her loving and devoted husband Jack; one daughter, Barbara (James) Hlubek of Fulton; three sons, John Bennett, Jr. of Sterling, IL, David (Jeanette) Bennett of Morrison, IL, and Daniel (Kim) Bennett of Fulton; six grandchildren, Michael (Megan) Housenga, Russell Housenga, Derek (Jessica) Housenga, Darcy (Jeremy) Weaks, Dana Bennett, and Rachael Bennett; five great-grandchildren, MaKenzie and Mia Housenga, Dawson and Hadley Housenga, and Barrett Weaks; three stepgrandchildren, Joseph (Celestine) Hlubek, Brian (Sally) Hlubek, and Eric (Teresa) Hlubek; seven step-great-grandchildren, Alexandra, Sean, Carly, Joseph Jr., Robert, Dalton, and Garrett Hlubek, all whom she loved very much. Lorraine is also survived by two sisters, Patricia Paulline and Kathy (Steve) Bearsley; her brothers, Edward (Irene) Charneski and Rick Charneski; one sister-in-law, Suzann Bennett; two brothers-in-law, Gary Burns and Donald Welch.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents; one grandson, Kyle Bennett; two sisters, Myrna Welch and Sheryl Burns; her in-laws, Marvin and Nellie Bennett; two brothers-in-law, Richard Bennett and Ronald Paulline; a nephew, Craig Charneski.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 20, 2017, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Albany, IL
OFFICIATING: Rev. Father Matthew Camaioni, Pastor of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Albany, IL
VISITATION: 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, November 19, 2017, at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home
INTERMENT: Calvary Hill Cemetery, Fulton, IL
MEMORIAL: Self Help Enterprises or Funeral Masses