Jean Benner
Jean Marie Soellner Benner, 89, of Rome, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Born in Rome on May 17th, 1936, she was a daughter of the late Walter and Irene Soellner. She was a graduate of Rome Free Academy and Green Mountain College. On July 20, 1957, she was united in marriage to George “Joe” Benner.
Jean was co-owner with Joe of Mohawk Paper and Plastics and a homemaker caring for four children. Jean and Joe worked together for almost 68 years to run a business, raise their family and enjoy their lives together.
Jean and Joe split their time between homes in Rome, NY and Naples, FL over the past 25 years. Jean was a member of St. Paul’s and St. Joseph Churches, Teugega Country Club, Quail Run Golf Club, Lake Delta Yacht Club, Griffis Ski Club and the Rome Twigs.
Jean enjoyed years of travel both near and far with her many friends and family. She loved a good card game, a round of golf, a new book, a day at the beach and watching Jeopardy with Joe. Her greatest joy though, was the time she spent with her family. Her smile then was a constant, especially when her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were near. She loved their stories, humor, adventures and accomplishments. She celebrated the big and the little moments equally in all of their lives. “Grandma Jean” was always their biggest cheerleader.
Surviving are three daughters, Kathleen Vallefuoco (Donny Goff), Karen Kennedy (William) and Kimberly Beckley (Craig); a son, Kevin Benner; her sister-in-law, Margaret “Peggy” Collins; sister-in-law, Alice Benner; twelve grandchildren, Sean Vallefuoco (Harumi), Bridget Vallefuoco, Ryan Kennedy (Ashley), Kyle Kennedy, Connor Kennedy, Colin Kennedy, Shannon Thompson (Drew), Michael Beckley (Jen), Kelly Beckley (Norm Raffleson), Aidan Benner, Julia Benner and Megan Benner; three great-grandchildren, Paisley and Cedar Thompson and Liam Kennedy; several nieces, nephews and cousins and dear friends who were always there for Jean in so many ways. She was predeceased by her sister, Patricia Speicher, brother-in-law, John “Jack” Benner, and ‘her Joe’, a loving husband of 67 years, earlier this year.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 6th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lee Center followed immediately by a burial ceremony for both Jean and Joe at St. Mary’s cemetery in Rome. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jean’s memory to the International Myeloma Foundation or to Hospice Foundation of America.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome NY 13440.
You may view the obituary and send a message of sympathy at www.nunnandharper.com.