Renee' Elaine Bennett

January 16, 1932 - December 9, 2017

Renee’ Elaine Bennett, 85, a life- long resident of Port Arthur, Texas peacefully passed away on December 9, 2017.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Richard, and her parents Irvin and Celia Horwitz.  Renee’ is survived by her three children, Cathy Dollinger of Beaumont, Karan Wishnow and her husband, Danny of Sugar Land and Barry Bennett and his wife Karen, of Beaumont.  She is also survived by six grandchildren who lovingly knew her “Ney Ney,” Jaclyn Cansler and her husband Jason, Ryan Wishnow, Lauren Wishnow, Matthew Bennett, Bradley Bennett , and Jacob Bennett.  Last but not least, she is survived by her great grandson Reid Cansler.

Renee’ was born in Houston, Texas and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and The University Texas at Austin.  She was a member of Temple Emmuel in Beaumont where she was served with the Sisterhood.  Each year she looked forward to working on “Deli Day,” when you could always expect a phone call or visit to purchase sandwiches.

After a few years teaching school, Renee’, along with her closest friend, Fern Roos embarked on what would be a 40 year cooking collaboration, known as Fernee’s Catering.  These two friends spent 40 years cooking up the tastiest recipes that culminated in their cookbook “Days With Fernees.”  Fernee’s was more than a catering business, it was an expression of a lifelong friendship between Renee’ and Fern.  It was around the kitchen table that Renee’ would dispense  wisdom and lessons for living that will live on in her children and her grandchildren.

We will always remember her joy for life, beautiful smile, and funny laugh.  She was a blessing to everyone she met.  Renee’ spent 85 years serving her husband, kids, friends, clients and strangers.  She will be missed by all.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 from 12:30 pm till 1:00 pm at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves. Funeral service will be at 1:00 PM Tuesday at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves with Rabbi Joshua Taub, officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.