M. Diane Van Benschoten

1946 - 2025

OBITUARY

M. Diane Van Benschoten was born on December 30, 1946, in Poughkeepsie, New York. A lifelong resident of Poughkeepsie, Diane died peacefully on April 4th, 2025, after a brief illness at Vassar Brothers Hospital. Diane was part of the first graduating class of Roy C. Ketcham High School in 1965 and went on to study at Dutchess Community College. On May 24, 1970, Diane married Jeffrey W. Van Benschoten at St Martin de Porres Church in Poughkeepsie, New York. They were married for over 54 years until Jeff passed in January of this year. Together they raised 3 surviving children: Jared & his wife BethAnne, Jay & his wife Dana and Sarah Van Benschoten. Diane was a grandmother to five grandchildren, Isabelle, Helena, Autumn, Rachael & Colin. Also surviving is her brother Daniel Crouse and her brothers and sisters-in-law Sharon, Wallace and his wife Mary, Larry, Cherrie, Donna and Wayne and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Jeffery and her parents Robert & Eileen Crouse. In her younger years Diane worked as a secretary in a law office before taking time at home to raise her family. Diane and Jeff were foster parents to many children in Dutchess County. She also worked as a lunch monitor in the Wappingers Central School District. The work Diane was most proud of was her volunteer work in the school district as a Parent Advocate, where she helped many parents navigate through the Special Education System. Diane was an enormous lover of animals and could never say no to a stray. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Diane’s name to your local ASPCA. As per her wishes, there will be no services.

Delehanty Funeral Home 64 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY