Joanne M. Benning, 80, of Punta Gorda, Fla., passed away Monday, Sept. 3, 2012, while she was being loved and cared for by the most compassionate medical family at the Punta Gorda Life Care Center.

She was born in Mount Clemens, Mich., to Gertrude and Bruce Cahill.

Joanne was of the Methodist faith. After she finished high school, she was married and had a son, Thomas Mitcheson, whom she laid to rest at 18 months. In 1952, Joanne met and married her best friend, Robert “Bob” Benning, and they had five children, Robin Koehler, Dennis (Diane) Benning, Debra Sackett, Karen Benning and Robert S. “Bondo” (Cari) Benning. They moved to Punta Gorda in 1961. Besides raising her children, Joanne worked for 35 years in her husband’s business, Bob’s Appliance Service, answering phones and keeping the books.

She is survived by three sisters, Janice Verscheure of Punta Gorda, Ellen (Les) Brunner of Three Rivers, Mich., and Lida (Rollie) Court of Coleman, Mich.; many cousins; cherished grandchildren, Dennis R., Christopher and Stephen Benning, Katie, Stephanie, Robert S. Jr. and Theresa Benning, Natalie Browning, Michele Sackett, Chuck Jenks, Sarah Taylor, and Brian Benning; 17 great-grandchildren and two “on the way!”; and many nieces, nephews and friends. One grandcat, and granddog, Robby, will miss her immensely. Joanne was preceded in death by her brothers, Bruce Jr., Frank and David Cahill of Florida; husband, Robert Benning; and son, Robert S. Benning.

No service will be held. Her family would like you to remember her as you knew her.

Arrangements are by All Faiths Cremation Society.