Mary Rose Bennis

Mary Rose Bennis, 91, of Aldenville, died Friday morning, September 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of family, at home. Her beloved husband, Thomas W. Bennis, survives her. They were married in 1960 and recently celebrated their 66th anniversary.

Born December 26, 1934, at St. Mary's Hospital in Brooklyn, New York, she was the oldest child and only daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Harley) McGuinness. Her parents were Irish immigrants from County Donegal, Ireland; however, they met and married in Brooklyn.

Mary graduated from Catherine McAuley High School and Long Island College Hospital School of Nursing, both located in Brooklyn, NY. She was part of the Class of '56. A devout Christian, Mary was a faithful Catholic who lived out her faith every day. In Brooklyn, she was a member of St. Theresa's Parish, St. Jerome's and St. Vincent Ferrer Parishes. Mary was an active member of Holy Cross Parish in Callicoon NY prior to moving to Wayne County, where she's been a parishioner of St. Mary's Church in Waymart since.

Her nursing career spanned many years and included the Job Corps Center in Callicoon, NY, The Center for Discovery, and various hospitals. She was a Camp Nurse at French Woods Camp until she was 78 years old.

Mary's kind and loving heart was evident in everything she did. She loved her patients, friends, and family without hesitation. Her legacy of love will live on in the lives of her children and grandchildren; the impact she left on this world will remain because of the beautiful person she was.

She is also survived by five children: Mary Beth Magallanes and her companion David Almers of Graham, NC; Nancy C. Nagle and her husband Frank of Aldenville, PA; Thomas J. Bennis of Southport, NC; Julie A. Hueber and her husband Gus of East Northport, NY; and Paul C. Bennis and his wife Mary of New Hampton, NY; a brother, John McGuinness of Brooklyn; and eight grandchildren: Thomas, Jake, Emily, Molly, Gus, Caroline, Bridgette, and Maggie; a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Shay of Sayville, NY, RoseAnn Laide of Puerto Rico and several nieces and nephews.

Mary was also preceded in death by brother Joseph McGuinness and his wife Peggy, brother James McGuinness and sister-in-law Eileen McGuinness (John's wife).

The Bennis, Nagle and Hueber families would like to thank Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Amy Jones, Pat Noble, and Dr. Michael Peterson and his staff for all of their devoted care to Mary.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 11:00 AM in St. Mary's Church, 242 Carbondale Road, with Rev. Joseph Sitko and Deacon Edward Kelly officiating. Everyone attending is asked to go directly to the church on Tuesday.

Viewing will be Monday, September 21, 2026, from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Howell Family Funeral Home, Inc., Edward R. Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont Street, Waymart, PA 18472.

Interment will be Tuesday in The Waymart Cemetery at Canaan Corners, Owego Turnpike, Waymart.