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BORN
1946
DIED
2022
Lorraine Benkovich Obituary
On the early morning of August 15, 2022, Lorraine Pink Benkovich, left earth side to begin her eternal life. She was showered with so much love her final days in her home, and she passed peacefully, surrounded by her son, daughter in law, and her dearest sisters.
Lorraine was preceded in death by her parents Francis and Agnes Pink. She leaves behind her best friend of all time, her only son Bryan (Melisa) Benkovich; her two grandsons Benjamin & Ian Benkovich, who were her pride and joy; her sisters Joann (Terry) Stevens, Dr Rita Pink (Dr Jim Heinsimer), and Mercedes Pink (Ed Galarza). She leaves behind many nieces and nephews amongst the Pink & Benkovich sides, who she treasured immensely. She loved more than anything being a Gramma, but she really enjoyed being an Aunt and Great Aunt as well. After being born and raised in Chicago, she relocated to Vegas recently to be able to spend more time with Bryan, Melisa, Benji and Ian.
Pink loved her job as a PE teacher with Chicago Public Schools for 34 years. Among those years, she spent many of those on the playground system, coaching cheer, as well as teaching Driver's Education. She even continued to teach Driver's Ed part time for 18 more years after retiring.
Who she was as a person, had many people gravitating towards her; creating many years of friendship and memories. Bryan may have been an only child, but he grew up with many brothers and sisters due to Pink's lifelong friendships.
In her life, she was more than a big sister, wife, a mother, mother-in-law, aunt, sister-in-law, Ma Pink, a colleague, and a friend. We've lost someone who was a special gift. There is no woman who loved The Chicago Bears & shopping more than her, and more importantly, there is no woman who made you feel more welcomed and apart of whatever it was that was going on. She will be greatly missed among those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Pink wished to be cremated and have no funeral services. However, she did want her life to be celebrated. Please join us for her Celebration of Life on Saturday October 15, 2022 from 1-4pm at At The Office Sports Bar & Grill, 4901 Cal Sag Rd Crestwood IL 60445.
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Memories and Condolences
for Lorraine Benkovich
Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.
Hattie
November 22, 2022
Ms. Pink was an awesome lady I adored her when I attended Frank Ira Bennett Elementary in Chicago. Her spirt, energy, and just love for what she did made you want to be in her presence and never leave! She will be dearly missed and forever appreciated. Thank you Ms. Pink for all that you've done!
Keianna Cooke
November 22, 2022
This one hurts as she was part of my childhood and I have so many memories. I practically lived in the field house with participating in almost every sport that she was part of from Cheerleading, Track & Field, Relay, Jump Rope, even participating in the bingo and ping pong competition. Whatever she held I was there as a child. I want to send my condolences to her family she was truly a gift to many kids growing up and will be missed.
Tecora Edwards
November 22, 2022
So many beautiful memories from Bennett Elementary School she was the glue to our community she provided so many activities that kept so many of us off the streets out of trouble from Cheerleading to after school activities in the field house continue to rest peacefully you definitely left your mark and helped many alone the way
Nicole Figures
November 21, 2022
Someone shared this on Facebook and it took me on a trip down memory lane.. I want to offer my deepest condolences to the family. Ms. Pink was my favorite cheerleading coach, and teacher. I´d enter school @ 8:30am looking forward to that bell ringing @ 2:30pm so that I could rush over to the field house. She was a no nonsense yet fun loving woman. She taught me how to properly cheer, four square, and many many other outdoor games that hadn´t been taught to inner city youth. We won so many competitions with her help. To know her was to love her!!! I´d always hoped to run into her at some point as an adult so I could tell her some jokes and hear that laugh. She had a very positive impact on many young ladies in our community. Ms Pink it was pleasure to create memories with you and I´ll never forget you. Rest in Love my dear
Love Nicole F.
Sharon y
November 21, 2022
Mrs Pink was my cheerleader coach at Frank I Bennett elementary school in Chicago from kindergarten all the way up ..She was a beautiful person and she loved her babies she treated us like we were her kids...she fed us brought us things took us home with her and everything.. Mrs Pink will be greatly missed... I love you Mrs.Pink forever
Marijo S Bjorlin
September 26, 2022
I have such fond memories of Pinky. She went to college with my Mom (Mary Pat Szyman) and Brother, Bob Szyman.
She spent a considerable amount of time at our house growing up. I had seven brothers and no sisters, so I craved female attention. She took me under her wing and spent precious time with me taking me places and bringing me to her house where I got to see what it was like living with females.
I chose her to be my Confirmation sponsor because her influence played such a big part of my life.
I also became a PE/ coach and I am sure the choice was a direct result of seeing he enjoy her vocation.
My only regret is that I didn't get the chance to know her as an adult.
Sorry for your loss,
Marijo Szyman Bjorlin
Judy Alleva
September 25, 2022
Many fond memories of
Denise Mooney & Family
September 21, 2022
Our condolences to the Pink family.
Kelly Mase
September 18, 2022
Rest in peace, Aunt Pink! Can't believe you are gone. :( We will remember vacations, all the playground competitions, especially cheerleading, kickball and volleyball, gatherings at your crib, skiing, and your kind heart. Thank you for your encouragement and endless support, for taking care of Taters(I'm sure she found you in Heaven), and for just being cool with anything. We love you and miss you!! See you again one day. Go Bears!!
Judy King (Benkovich)
September 18, 2022
R.I.P. "Pink" remembering snow skiing, scuba diving, the "gang", CSU (CTC), P.E. classes, CPS P.E. for 35yrs +, the Playgrounds, St. Rose Special Olympics, Dr. Ed., "Da Bears", and a lifetime of great memories of a best friend, and what felt like a forth sister, since I was 16 years of age. I miss you, lady. I couldn't have known a better person, relative, or role model. Celebrating a life well lived...
Judy King-Benkovich
Jeremy, Kate, and Sam Robinson
September 18, 2022
Our hearts are with you as you remember Pink. May your memories of her comfort you and give you peace. There are no words to comfort you, I know, but know that you are on our minds.
Love,
The Robinson Family
BJ Haah
September 18, 2022
Our deepest sympathy to you. Sending prayers for strength during this difficult time. May your wonderful memories provide you some comfort. Love BJ & Al Haag
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