Obituary of Patricia Ann Benn

Patricia Ann Benn Obituary

Last Updated:  7/27/17

Patricia Ann Benn, 66 of Pembroke Pines, Florida, went home to the Lord, on July 25, 2017, after several years struggling with cancer.  Born on May 30, 1951, to Carmen (Dookie) and Godfrey Forde, in Trinidad, West Indies; she was the 3rd eldest of seven children. 

Patricia ventured to New York in the 1970s to seek better opportunities for the family she would eventually have.  She later moved them to south Florida in the 1980s for warmer climates and has since resided there in the same home until her recent passing.  As a mother of two children, Debbie and Derek, she raised them surrounded by love, faith and family. 

Anyone that ever encountered Patricia knew with a certainty that God was the center of her life.  Pat was the epitome of Jesus’ call for us to be a servant unto one another, as her life’s calling was to bring people together and serve them. She shared her passion of the Catholic faith by participating in several church prayer groups, donation drives and church causes dear to her heart. Pat was a beautiful example of an ironclad faith and all those around her witnessed her internal peace on this journey that eventually took her life.  Her doctors often commented how at peace she was with what God has planned.  She knew that even when she stumbled and did not have the strength to go on, the Lord would be there to hold her hand.  As Matthew 11:28 tells us, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  Pat surrendered her care over to the Lord and while we may not understand why God chose to take this loving soul so soon, we firmly believe God is good even when circumstances are unclear. 

“Lord, may my heart be open to the Word of God; may my heart be open to good; may my heart be open to the beauty of God, every day. Lord, help me learn to be content in all circumstances, knowing that you have promised to always be with me. Amen” – (her recent prayer scrawled out on an index card and taped to her bedroom mirror).

Patsy found great enjoyment and serenity in entertaining, cooking and shopping.  You could find Pat in a store, just browsing, most days.  She knew the best sales and had a great sense of style.  If you ever needed to shop, you just had to go to her home and shop in her cabinets and closets.  Most of what she collected was for giving to others.  Patsy loved to dress up and go places; but she loved being home more, surrounded by friends and family.  Pat entertained her large family for most major events and holidays, cooking Trinidadian dishes and always ensuring there were leftovers for guests to take home.  Her grandson gleefully told her, “You make the best birthday cakes!” The secret ingredient that she would add, she told him, was, “Love.” It was always with love that she made her meals for her family, friends and co-workers.

While all the people she touched cannot be listed, she is survived by her son, Derek; daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Rusty Edwards with their sons, Clay, Connor and Calvin; her parents, Godfrey and Carmen Forde; her sister, Isabel (Louis) Lawrence and brothers, Godfrey, Jr.,  Wayne (Eunice), Bryan (Norma), Glenn (Sharon), and Christopher (Tina) along with their children; and her best friends Marcia and Sean Fox; Sushila Christie; Pauline Bryant; Jeff Hyman; Rebecca Tuell; and Phillip and Sandra Williams.  Patricia was loved and held dear by so many. 

 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

Patricia will be:

In Repose Friday, August 4, 2017 from 3:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M at Scarano Funeral Homes, Stirling Memorial Chapel 6300 Stirling Road, Davie, Florida 33314.
Honored with a Funeral Mass on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at 10:00 A.M at St. Maximilian Kobe, 701 North Hiatus Road, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026.
Buried directly after the funeral service at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemeteries, 1500 South State Rd 7, North Lauderdale, FL 33068.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for individuals to donate funding to either one of the following causes in Patricia’s name:

Commemorative Paver via St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church at 701 North Hiatus Road, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026, Office (954) 432-0206.
St. Vincent de Paul Society via St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church at 701 North Hiatus Road, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026, Office (954) 432-0206.
Cancer Research Institute – in memoriam of Patricia Ann Benn