Susan Benway
April 29, 2025
Susan DeGruttola Benway
Sep 22, 1953 - April 29, 2025
Raised in Connecticut in a gregarious family with six siblings, Susan completed a BS in Sociology at Western State College. She moved to Florida in 1978 and lived in St. Petersburg and Gainesville for most of her adult life. Susan worked as a counselor for teens in residential facilities in the early years of her career. She migrated to teaching in elementary schools. Her happiest years as a teacher were at Pinellas Prep Charter School as Director of Special Ed where she grew the gifted program. Her expansive curriculum was infused with appreciation for world cultures and sustainable living. She brought out her students' creativity and critical thinking skills in formats such as bookmaking and Socratic dialogue. She also taught Driver's Ed and Yoga. Many letters were found where students and parents said, Best teacher ever.
Susan was an artist, a puppeteer, a gardener, a philosopher and a comic. She will be deeply missed by many.
Susan leaves her beloved daughter Lauren Benway of Gainesville FL, her soulmate Ken Benway of Gainesville FL, and two stepchildren, Christian Benway of Gainesville FL and Jennifer Cavelle of Los Angeles CA, four sisters, one brother, sixteen nieces and nephews, fourteen great nieces and nephews and two grandchildren. She also leaves behind many dear friends including Cookie Gorman and Diane Rutzler. She was predeceased by her brother Donald DeGruttola.
Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Benway family.
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This life will never be the same without you, Sunai, but I still feel that you are with me. I love you so much and will miss our conversations, laughs, and memories for the rest of my life. You were one of the best parts of this world. I’m glad you got to meet and spend time with Sydney ❤️ Uncle Chris, Chris Linteris
I already miss you so much, my soulmate sister. We looked at this life through all kinds of lenses but none more fun than through bookmaking with our students. Thanks for almost always answering the phone! Thanks
for always bringing it. Love you.
Susan was the closest friend I have ever had I am so grateful for the time I got to spend with her. She was always so appreciative of my visits. She would text me very sweet rhyming poems after a visit that always put a big smile in my heart! I loved being there for her and doing the things she could no longer do for herself. We loved to watch YouTube videos and music videos and always played a daily game of Scrabble! She loved deeply, shared authentically, danced freely, laughed often, appreciated beauty and simplicity; she was a wise and gracious woman and I cherish the memories we share.
Sunai, missing you a lot lately…Thinking of you all the time and wishing I could just give you a call. Love you always, Christopher Linteris