Christine Theresa Benza
December 28, 1920 ~ October 1, 2019
Christine Theresa Benza “Chris” (age 98) of Fairfax, Virginia died peacefully on October 1, 2019 at The Virginian retirement home. She was born December 28, 1920 in the Bronx, New York. She was the daughter of the late Alfonso and Antonetta DiSanto. She was preceded in death by her husband Carmen Benza, three brothers, and one sister.
She is survived by her sons, Thomas Charles of Springfield, VA and Steven George (Alma) of Vienna, VA; three grandchildren, Kenneth, George and Anne Benza; two great grandchildren, Branden and Kalin Benza; her brother John DiSanto, and many nieces and nephews.
Chris and her family moved from NY to Falls Church, Virginia in 1958 where she began a career at the United States Capitol. After working for a number of years at the Senate Post Office she started working at the U.S. Capitol Flag Office under the direction of the Architect of the Capitol. She started as a clerk and worked her way up to become the Supervisor; she was well known as the “Flag Lady.” She was recognized by many Members of Congress for her dedication and outstanding service. Chris retired in November of 2001, with over 42 years of government service.
Visitation will be held at Money and King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Ave., Vienna, VA on Monday, October 14 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, October 15 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 8601 Wolftrap Rd SE, Vienna, VA 22182 at 11:00 am. A private burial will be held at Culpeper National Cemetery.
She is survived by her sons, Thomas Charles of Springfield, VA and Steven George (Alma) of Vienna, VA; three grandchildren, Kenneth, George and Anne Benza; two great grandchildren, Branden and Kalin Benza; her brother John DiSanto, and many nieces and nephews.
Chris and her family moved from NY to Falls Church, Virginia in 1958 where she began a career at the United States Capitol. After working for a number of years at the Senate Post Office she started working at the U.S. Capitol Flag Office under the direction of the Architect of the Capitol. She started as a clerk and worked her way up to become the Supervisor; she was well known as the “Flag Lady.” She was recognized by many Members of Congress for her dedication and outstanding service. Chris retired in November of 2001, with over 42 years of government service.
Visitation will be held at Money and King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Ave., Vienna, VA on Monday, October 14 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, October 15 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 8601 Wolftrap Rd SE, Vienna, VA 22182 at 11:00 am. A private burial will be held at Culpeper National Cemetery.
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Monica great tribute
I will never forget my lesson on making Italian meatballs from this wonderful woman. She shared so many family receipts with me that I will never forget. She will truly be missed. She ment the world to me. Karen Benza
I will miss my Sunday calls to Aunt Chris. We will always have great memories of her visits to Arizona..we did a lot of eating …and drinking and we had lots of fun. Rest in Peace Aunt Chris. Love you, Pat & Eugene
A candle was lit for the decedent.
We will remember Chris whenever we call bingo at The Virginian. She was a very sweet lady who we really liked. We will miss her sunny disposition and warm friendliness. Love to you Chris, Karen and Jay Beatty, Herndon, VA
Tom and the extended family, I was so saddened to learn of your mom’s passing. As you may remember, my mom, Shirley Griffiths, and yours were table mates when they first arrived at the Virginian. They enjoyed several years of meals together before they both moved into assisted living. It became harder for the two ladies to keep in touch after that, due to various ailments, but we enjoyed seeing you and her in the main dining room at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sadly, my mom passed away just days before yours, and her service was the day of your mom’s visitation. I can’t help but feel that the two great ladies are now reunited at a table in Heaven, where they will have much to talk about and happily to reminisce!