Dulce Maria Benedict

Dulce Maria Benedict died peacefully at her home in Temecula, California, on May 26th, 2006 in the care of her family. Dulce Maria will be remembered as a woman of great faith who gave unconditional love and encouragement to all and also for her warm and enchanting smile. She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother and sister who provided strength and love to her family.

Born in Havana, Cuba on May 30th 1946, she came to the United States in 1961. She graduated from White Plains High School in 1964, and soon after received her degree as a registered nurse from St. Joseph's Hospital, Los Angeles, California. Almost immediately, Dulce Maria used her CPR skills to save the life of a drowning child who was unconscious when pulled from a swimming pool. This is but one instance of her lifelong dedication of service to family, friends and her communities.

Dulce Maria was predeceased by her parents, Manuel and Serafina Gutierrez. She is survived by her husband of forty years, Robert A. Benedict; her son and daughter-in-law, Robert, Jr. and Ruth Benedict; her grandchildren Sophia, Robert III, and Nicholas Benedict all of Temecula, California; her brother and sister-in-law, Manuel and Ramona Gutierrez of White Plains, New York, and their daughter, Maria Elena Gutierrez, of Stamford, Connecticut; her stepson, James R. Benedict and his family of Phoenix, Arizona; and numerous nieces, nephews, and relatives in the United States and Spain.