ONEONTA – Janet Phyllis Fleischer Benavides, 78, went to be with the Lord August 30, 2016 at A.O. Fox Nursing Home, Oneonta.

She was born January 6, 1938 in the Bronx, the daughter of the late Philip and Frieda (Peck) Fleischer.


Janet graduated from Hartwick College in Oneonta, majoring in Christian Education and Spanish.


During missionary work in San Antonio, Texas she met her husband, Steve A. Benavides, who has predeceased her, living there from 1965 to 1981, returning to Oneonta.


She was a member of the West Davenport Free Baptist Church.  She was a dedicated volunteer with the American Red Cross, who was also deployed to help after hurricane Katrina.  She was involved with 4-H, Scouts, and enjoyed the simple things such as: picking berries, canning, baking goods and knitting all of which were often donated to those in need.


Janet is survived by her brother, Robert Fleischer of Oneonta; her children, Steve R. Benavides of Oneonta, Catherine L. Arbas of Virginia Beach, VA, Anne-Margaret Benavides of Henderson, NV, and Andrea R. Benavides-Puida of Land O' Lakes, FL; numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.


Service will held at 1 p.m., Friday, September 2, 2016 at the West Davenport Free Baptist Church, 211 Charlotte Creek Rd., West Davenport, with the Rev. Stephen Estes, officiating.


In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Red Cross, 396 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820.


Online condolences may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com


Arrangements are by Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.