Renee' Elaine Bennett

1932 ∼ 2017

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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.

Condolences

Karen Wiggins December 12, 2017

I am so sorry for your loss! no words that I can say would make you feel better, but just know ya'll are in my heart and in my prayers.

Dolly Rush December 12, 2017

Cathy and family, I am sorry to hear of your mothers passing. Prayers for comfort and peace for your family at this time. Dolly

Sara Ayres December 11, 2017

Cathy, I am so sorry to hear about your mother. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. If you need anything, please call me. Sara

Lydia Wright (Daughter Of Lillie Wright December 11, 2017

My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the family of Renee Bennett. Heaven is truly rejoicing. My heart is sadden to read of the passing of this remarkable person in the paper. Renee or as I affectionately called her and Fern, my Aunt Renee and Aunt Fern was like extended family to me. These to remarkable women embraced my mother and genuinely loved my mother as part of their family along with their children. As a teenager coming up and into my adulthood this was and will always be my extended family. My mother spent countless hours until her health failed her with Renee and Fern in the kitchen cooking, a passion they all shared in common. The beautiful smile when she would greet you will be forever etched in my heart along with the true compassion and love. As tears fall from my eyes as I write this note, sometimes in life you meet people that you feel should live forever and never die, and Renee Bennett was one of them. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for embracing and loving my mother as part of your family. Your works on earth were well done now may your soul now rest from your labor. " To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord".

Marty Roos December 11, 2017

Renee will be missed by many of us. She was more than Mom's catering partner, she was our friend. Hands down one of my most favorite persons in the world. She taught us to drive (way before 16), "helped' us deliver our paper route, provided great wisdom, cooked like no other (other than my Mom). We could always count on renee for late night visits and Yahtzee sessions. I love you Renee. I think of you often. Say hello to Dad.