Jean "Jennie" Benigno

December 27, 1926 - December 24, 2020

Jean "Jennie" Benigno (nee Juliano) - 93 years old of Cape May, NJ formerly Folcroft, PA, passed away Christmas Eve two days before her 94th Birthday. Born on December 27, 1926 in Philadelphia to parents Joseph and Theresa Juliano, Jean lived a long and beautiful life filled with the love her parents instilled in her. After growing up in a very large family, she went on to have five children, and her devotion to her faith and her family was unmatched. That love eventually drove Jean to teach Religious Education for many years, extending her infectious faith to countless children both in PA and NJ. In addition to teaching, Jean spent a number of years volunteering with the Christ Child Society. She loved to help organize the annual fashion show and even inducted her grandchildren to model! Jean also lent her beautiful voice to the church choir for a number of years. She embraced life with a kindness and compassion for others that blossomed into an outreach to those in need spiritually and emotionally. She shared the Good News with everyone whenever she could. In fact, if you have ever met Jean, you have likely been treated to one of her many stories. She loved to share her experiences and wisdom with all. This love of sharing eventually compelled her to write several faith-based poems, one of which was published locally. She had a keen sense of intuition, and a voracious love of reading, writing, and meditation. When Jean wasn't spending her time with family or church, she was busy educating herself, particularly in the area of psychology. Not only did she dedicate time to her spiritual and emotional wellness, she also made sure to take care of herself physically. She always seemed to find a gym wherever she was to keep her body as sharp as her mind. At the heart of all her talents and compassion, however, was her love for her family. Nothing brought Jean more joy than spending time with her five children, fifteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, a beloved wife, mother, mom-mom and great-grandmother. It is no wonder, then, that she was known for her amazing cooking and baking skills. Her famous meatballs were the best in the world! She guarded her recipes with her life but did pass them on to her beloved family. Now those cherished recipes will evoke all the faith, love, joy, compassion and laughter that are her legacy. She will be missed by so many. She was predeceased by her loving husband Domenick Benigno and daughter Anne Kerwood and son-in-law Joseph Kerwood and great-grandchild Alyssa Salvey. Brother and sisters: Grace, Nancy, Leana, Tony, Florence, Virginia and Rose. Jean will be sadly missed by: Her sons John (Elana) Benigno, Anthony (Cindy) Benigno and daughters Maria (Joseph) Valletti, Rosemarie (Joseph) Casey; 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Jean’s Mass of Christian Burial at St. John of God Church and interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery are both being held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested in Jean's memory to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation www.NationalPCF.org The Sunshine Project. (Spilker Funeral Home, Cape May) info and condolences: spilkerfuneralhome.com