Cecile entered heaven at the age of 93. Born in San Francisco to Charles and Theresa Duerner, the family moved to Morgan Hill and she attended Live Oak High School before continuing her education at Westmont College in Santa Barbara.
In 1950 she married Danny Benz, the love of her life. For 65 years they lived in Morgan Hill and raised their children Karen (Burch), Cheryl (Kern) and Danny Benz Jr (Kim). She is the proud Grandma to Breeanna (Chad) Cabrera, Lindsey (Tommy) Lacey, Brandon, Danielle & Lauren Benz and great-grandma to Kayla Cecile, Azlan, Jonah & Uriah Cabrera and Tailor & Mazzy Lacey.
Cecile had a zest for life that was infectious and a great sense of humor. Her smile and sparkling personality was contagious to everyone she met. Many adopted Cecile as a “surrogate mother” because of her loving and caring ways.
She was always ready to celebrate a birthday, event, holiday or just have fun. She worked in the Benz Construction office, but her true love was her family, and family outings and travel.
She also loved cooking, baking, reading, games, the beach, Disneyland and See’s Candy. She loved the Lord and was a lifetime member of Crossroads Christian Center/First Assemblies of God, serving in many capacities including teaching Sunday School, Women’s Ministries, donating and arranging fresh flowers each Sunday and fundraising events.
Cecile was predeceased by her loving husband, Danny Benz, her brother, Chuck Duerner and her sister, Jane Manion.
She is survived by her sister, Helen Arvidson, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and numerous loving relatives and friends.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21 at Crossroads Christian Center, 145 Wright Ave., Morgan Hill.
