Eleanor Emily Benner

Eleanor Emily Benner, 89, of Toledo, OH passed away December 21, 2022.  She and her twin brother Arnold were born in Erie, MI on July 12, 1933, to Walter and Emily (Wojciechowski) Strzelecki (of Poland).  She was a 1951 graduate of Bedford High School.  Eleanor married James E. Benner of Toledo, on August 22, 1953 at St. Joseph Church in Erie, MI.

Eleanor worked both full time and part time until she was 70 years old.  She was employed by Auto Lite Credit Union, First Federal Savings of Toledo, Charter One Bank, JC Penney Company, Winkelman’s, and The Andersons.

Eleanor was an active parent.  She volunteered as a room mother, Cub Scout & Brownie helper, and a supporter of her children’s activities in football, baseball, track, and marching band. She loved being a grandmother and was truly proud of their many accomplishments.

Eleanor had many interests and hobbies including crocheting, sewing, gardening, bowling, playing cards, and polka dancing.  She also loved to watch football games.

She was generous with her time and was an active volunteer.  She was a member of Regina Coeli Catholic Church, which she joined in 1956. She was a member of the Altar Rosary Society, Volunteer Cleaning Lady, and belonged to the Salesian Club.  She volunteered at Flower Hospital as a “Frog Lady” and at the Toledo Board of Elections.

Eleanor is survived by her sons, Bryan (Kimberly)Benner of Sylvania, OH and Bruce (Stacy) Benner of Ft Myers, FL; daughter, Brenda (Keith) Kralik of Fremont, OH; grandchildren, Andrea (Jeremy) Theis, Kyle Benner, Caitlin (Josh Griffiths) Benner & Allison (Rob) Hawn, MacKenzy (Jack) Dennis & Taylor (Monica Hajjar) McNeill, and Taya & Kayden Kralik; and 8 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her brother, Arnold (Joanne)Strzelecki; niece, Emily Keenan; and godchildren, Patrice Dick, Kellie Dabrowski, & Joette Boyd-Randall.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, James E. Benner; parents, Walter & Emily; sister, Pauline Kowalski; niece, Leona Jones; and brother, Chester Strzelecki.

Visitation will be Wednesday December 28 from 3- 8 p.m. at Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe, 114 E. Alexis Rd. where members of the Salesians and the Regina Coeli Altar Rosary Society will lead a rosary at 4 p.m.  Funeral services will begin Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home and continue with the Funeral Mass in Regina Coeli Church at 10 a.m.  Interment will follow in Toledo Memorial Park.

Memorial donations may be given to a charity of your choice.