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- Obituary for Susan H. Benton
In Loving Memory of Susan H. Benton
A Life Well-Lived
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Susan Helma (Lichterfeld) Benton was born on August 2, 1954, in Buffalo, NY USA.
Susan was the second eldest of 5 children of Else and Guenther Lichterfeld. Susan
graduated from Canisus College with her master’s in social work.
CAREER AND CONTRIBUTIONS
Dedicated her life to social work with Catholic Charities and Hospice Buffalo for most of
her career. She also spent a brief time at Radio Shack as a store manager where she
met her future husband, Ross Benton. Susan was involved with adoptions at Catholic
Charities and remained friends with many of the adoptee families. Her career at
Hospice Buffalo she took to heart and felt that helping people transition to death was an
important responsibility. She impacted numerous families going through the final care
and grieving process. Her family and friends were important to her, and she would drop
anything to help resolve an issue or challenge. She listened with no judgement and
there was nothing that you could not talk to her about.
FAMILY AND PERSONAL LIFE
Susan married Ross on August 15 th , 1987 in Buffalo, NY and they honeymooned in
Canada. Susan and Ross had 2 children, Rebecca and Paul. They called North
Tonawanda home for most of their kids’ childhood.
Susan's interests extended beyond her professional life. She was a devoted mother
and wife. Enjoyed gardening and home improvement projects. She would often be
seen up on a ladder painting or otherwise improving their living space. Susan and Ross
were active members of Payne Avenue Christian Church in North Tonawanda where
Susan was in the choir. Susan loved being a grandmother (Omo) who spent her days
planning fun outings and reading many books. Her biggest joy in her life was being a
mother and grandmother. You would often see her travelling to her siblings’ houses,
who each had a special connection with.
A LEGACY OF LOVE AND WISDOM
She retired from Hospice Buffalo in the Summer of 2019 and 10 months later was
diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. Susan Benton passed away peacefully on
Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Elderwood Nursing Home on Grand Island where she was
cared for during the last two years of her battle with dementia. Some of her Hospice co-
workers participated in her care.
She is survived by her husband Ross, children Rebecca (Ryan) Lewis and Paul (Hoa)
Benton. Susan had 2 grandchildren, Mason Lewis and Adrianna Lewis. Her siblings,
Margaret (Dick) Thomas, Mark Lichterfeld, Heidi (Jeff) Hill, Lisa (Selwin) Lichterfeld,
Sister in Laws Greta Lichterfeld and Ruth (late Bill) Misko, Mother-in-Law Leah Benton.
As well as her nieces, Kristen, Allison, Leslie, Kwayah, Sarah, Rachel. Nephews, Evan,
Callum, Steven, Nathan and Galen. Also, many cousins and friends who will miss her
dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents Else and Guenther Lichterfeld and
her father-in-law R. Paul Benton.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday March 29, 2025, at Wattengel Funeral
Home on 533 Meadow Drive in North Tonawanda, NY from noon until 4PM with a
service to be held at 4 o’clock at the funeral home, where friends and family will gather
to celebrate Sue's remarkable life. Interment and service will be at 11:00 on Monday,
March 31st, 2025 at Acacia Park Cemetery Chapel, 4215 Tonawanda Creek Road,
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hospice Buffalo.
Susan Benton’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege
of knowing her. Her life was a shining example of what it means to live with purpose,
passion, and love. Rest in peace, dear Sue; your legacy will continue to inspire us all.
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1954 - 2025 (70 years)