Obituary of Sarah Jane Benda

Sarah Jane Benda of Scipio, NY, born in Springport, NY, passed away at the age of 94, on February 4, 2024. She is survived by her son, David Benda (Marcella); and her daughter, Cheryl Eck (David); grandchildren: Sarah Eck (Eric), Rene Benda (Cory), Hannah Robinson (Tyler), Christopher (Michelle), and Colin (Lori); and the cutest ever great-granddaughter, Kenna Mae Robinson; as well as several of her nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Oscar and Pearl Swank; siblings: Sherman Swank, Charles Swank, Winifred Puderbach, Mabel Stockmeyer, Helen Swank, and Mae Burgerstock; husband, Frank Benda and two of their children: Judith Anna Benda and Frank Benda, Jr. Sarah and Frank made Scipio, NY their home. It is where they raised their children, owned and operated their dairy farm, and celebrated 52 years of marriage together. Together they served their community through their work with the Scipio Center Fire Department. Sarah, beside the life of being a farmer's wife, also worked at, and retired from TRW, where she was known to her co-workers as "Sadie". Fiercely independent, sassy, sweet, kind, and caring, Sarah – having survived her siblings- became the matriarch of the family. Never loud, never crass, never crossed – she had a look that told you exactly what she was thinking. Having passed these traits on to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, her legacy will not be forgotten. We'll think of her in our gardens, and with the coming and going of the hummingbirds. Special thanks to Finger Lakes Center for Living, and the staff members on the Still Water wing – especially "Big Momma" (Colleen) - for all your care, compassion, and devotion throughout the last year of her life. You were a bright spot in her day and a comfort that felt like home. We'd also like to thank Karleigh, the 2nd floor nurse at Auburn Memorial Hospital for her extra special care with Sarah and her family in her final days. Thank you for giving her permission to "go get her flowers". We know she was longing to receive them, and the love that was waiting for her. Calling hours will be held at Farrell's Funeral Service, Inc., 84 South Street, Auburn Friday, February 9, 2024 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. with the Service to follow at 4:15 p.m. with Reverend Donna Taylor Martin Pastor of the United Methodist Church of Auburn officiating. A spring interment will take place at Fleming Rural Cemetery. The family asks that in place of flowers, donations be made to Helping Hounds Dog Rescue where she rescued her devoted dog, Queenie, or to the Scipio Center Fire Department where she was a past member of the Women's Fire Auxiliary. Memorial contributions to be made to: Helping Hounds Dog Rescue, 7268 Caswell Street, North Syracuse, NY 13212 or Scipio Center Fire Department, 3550 Route 34, Scipio Center, NY 13147.