Emily Ann Benward, 80, of Staatsburg passed away on December 19th, 2024, at Vassar Brothers Hospital, with her family by her side.

Born August 9th, 1944, Emily was the daughter of the late John and Agnes Babiarz.

She graduated from Poughkeepsie High School and began her career in the secretarial/office management field at St. Francis Hospital, Poughkeepsie in October of 1964. In December of 2008, after 44 years of service, Emily retired as Office Manager of the St. Francis Hospital Center for Communication Disorders.

In August of 1971 she married the love of her life, Clifford Benward (who survives at home). They recently celebrated their 53rd anniversary.

Along with her husband, Emily is survived by her two children; daughter, Angela

Marinelli (Staatsburg); and son, Albert Butch Cimorelli with his wife Heather

(Hyde Park). She is also survived by her 6 grandchildren; Ashley Marinelli with her husband Julian Himes; Lindsay

Chomicki with her husband William; Alex Marinelli with his fiancé Alexa Potter;

Sarah McNeil with her husband Jesse; Shawn Cimorelli and Cole Cimorelli.

Emily was predeceased by her son-in-law, Glenn Marinelli in May 2014 and by her brother, John Babiarz in November, 2018.

Her close friends and family will fondly remember her love for crochet projects, photo album compilation and amateur poetry. When Emily was around, there was never any shortage of home economics magic, Christmas pajamas, carrot cake (with ample icing) or happy tears. Her grandchildren will carry on her favorite family getaway of camping at North Lake.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A private inurnment of her cremains will take place in the spring at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Kidney Fund.

To send an online condolence please visit www.sweetsfuneralhome.com