Esther Dujon Benard

Esther Dujon Benard, 98, formerly of Clifton, passed away on May 27, 2017. Born in New York City, Mrs. Benard resided in Clifton from 1949 to 2016 when she moved to Jefferson Township to live with her daughter. Before her retirement, Mrs. Benard provided private instruction piano lessons for 30 years.
She was an active and faithful parishioner of St. Philip the Apostle R.C. Church in Clifton. Her memberships within St. Philip Church include: The Rosary Society (as President, Recording Secretary and Treasurer), The Prime Timers (as Recording Secretary and Correspondence Secretary) and the Legion of Mary. Mrs. Benard also served on the Parish Council for four years, as a Lector for ten years, a Eucharistic Minister and a Bazaar Volunteer since 1979.
In addition to her activities with the church, Mrs. Benard served on the Clifton Election Board for 20 years; the Valley Democratic Club; the Valley Seniors (as Telephone Director); and the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.
Esther was predeceased by her beloved husband, Walter S. Benard in 2001; her son-in-law, Paul J. Laiosa; one sister and nine brothers.
Survivors include: her devoted daughter, Dorothy Patricia Benard Laiosa of Jefferson Twp., NJ; her loving granddaughter, Danielle Laiosa Schillizzi and her husband Craig; her great-grandson, Cody Paul Schillizzi. Esther also was godmother to seven godchildren.
Visiting will be held Tuesday from 4 to 8 pm at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Ave., Clifton. Funeral services will be held Wednesday 9:15 am from the funeral home followed by a 10 am Mass at St. Philip the Apostle R.C. Church, 797 Valley Road, Clifton. Interment to follow at Crest Haven Memorial Park, Clifton.