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Barbara H. Heller Bennett - Class of 1947

Submitted by Bill Norvell 1965 <w.norvell@gmail.com> on 24/Jul/2026
38.59.11.242

    Barbara H. Heller Bennett, of the Town of Newburgh, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 20, 2026 at the age of 95.

Daughter of the late Franklin and Harriet M. (McCloskey) Heller. She was born July 29, 1930 in Brooklyn, NY.

A longtime resident of the area, she was a retired administrator for the former New York Telephone Company in Poughkeepsie, NY and also a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Newburgh.

Barbara graduated from Newburgh Free Academy and went on to nursing school. Though she did not pursue nursing professionally, Barbara's passion for helping and caring for others remained a defining part of who she was. She married the love of her life, David, and together they shared more than 65 wonderful years of marriage. Devoted to her family, she chose to stay home for several years to lovingly raise their four children. Once her children were older, she returned to her career at New York Telephone, where she worked until her retirement.

Barbara was known for her radiant smile, compassionate heart, gentle spirit and unwavering kindness.

Barbara had a love for travel with her husband and family across the US and abroad. She loved camping with family. Barbara treasured every opportunity to explore new places and creating lasting memories with those she loved.

Barbara also enjoyed simple pleasures such as reading, sewing, baking, crocheting, knitting and word searches.

She will be remembered for her compassion, dedication, generosity and love. She will be greatly missed by all.

Survivors include two sons; David U. (Kathy) Bennett Jr. of Poughkeepsie, NY and Jeffrey C. Bennett Sr. of the Town of Newburgh, two daughters; Susan A. (Todd) VanVoorhis of the Town of Newburgh, Jill E. Bennett of the Town of Newburgh and twelve grandchildren; Adam Bennett, Kevin Bennett, Lisa Duncan, Kelly Spehalski, Jeremy Brooks, Jeffrey Bennett Jr., Owen Bennett, Todd Dickel Jr., Eric Dickel, Ashley VanVoorhis, Cary VanVoorhis and Michael VanVoorhis along with 23 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband David U. Bennett Sr., one brother, Thomas Heller and her daughter-in-law Debbie Bennett.

Special thanks for her prior care with Dr. George and present care with Dr. B Hadid at WMC. Also thanks to all her aides and staff at A&T Healthcare, Dr. Petrosino and staff at Smile Design, Dr. Nasir and Karen at Brain Center HV, Heather and staff at Devoted Care Services and the staff at Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties.

Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, July 24, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at White, Venuto and Morrill Funeral and Cremation Service, 188 N. Plank Road, Newburgh, NY 12550.

A funeral service will take place Saturday, July 25, 2026, 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home with her grandson, Pastor Adam Bennett officiating.

Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Newburgh, NY.

Donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to either Hospice of Orange and Sullivan at www.hospiceoforange.com or the Alzheimer's Association at www.donorservices.alz.org