Elissia "Lisa" Bennice

Elissia “Lisa” Anne Bennice, 71, passed away on April 17, 2026, in peace, surrounded by her loving family. 

Born on September 10, 1954, in Schenectady, New York, Lisa spent her childhood in Schenectady and was a member of the Mount Pleasant High School Class of 1972. She continued her education at SUNY Geneseo, then later made her home in Burnt Hills, New York, where she and her husband raised their family. While living in Burnt Hills, Lisa attended the College of Saint Rose, where she earned a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology and her Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Following retirement, Lisa and her husband relocated to Viera, Florida, in August 2014, where they resided thereafter. 

Lisa devoted many years of her professional life to public service as an employee of New York State. She began her career at the Oswald D. Heck Developmental Center, where she pursued her passion for helping others by providing speech therapy services to individuals with autism. Later in her career, Lisa transitioned to other departments within New York State, continuing her longstanding commitment to service. 

Lisa was a woman of faith, kindness, compassion, strength, and courage, and possessed a gentle spirit and an exceptionally kind heart. Her greatest gift was that she always saw the best in people. Lisa believed that life is what you make of it, and that it is good. Her warmth and generosity touched the lives of many. 

Above all else, Lisa’s greatest joy was her family. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she treasured every moment spent with those she loved. Nothing brought her more happiness than being surrounded by family, and she took special joy in her role as a grandmother. The love she had for her children and grandchildren was at the center of her life and will remain a lasting part of her legacy. 

Lisa also greatly enjoyed social gatherings and the friendships she cultivated throughout her life. An enthusiastic member of the Space Coast Region Porsche Club of America, she was affectionately referred to as the “badge lady” and valued the fellowship and experiences that came with it. 

Lisa was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Josephine Golembeck. 

She is survived by her loving husband, Paul Joseph Bennice; her two sons, Michael Paul Bennice (Erin) and Stephen Matthew Bennice (Michele); her four beloved grandchildren, Lorenzo Bennice, Gianna Bennice, Alexa Monokian, and Chloe Monokian; her brother, David Golembeck (Rosalie); her sister-in-law, Bonnie Varsanyi (Lazlo); and her nephews, David Golembeck and Christopher Golembeck (Mara). 

In Florida, calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home in Rockledge, followed by a Funeral Mass on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist in Viera. 

In New York, calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home in Rotterdam. Burial will take place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Saints Cyril and Method Cemetery in Rotterdam, with a reception to follow at the Cambridge Manor Condominium Community Center, Washington Avenue, Scotia. 

Lisa will be remembered for her kindness, her faith, her strength, her dedication to others, and above all, her deep and abiding love for her family. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.