Benita M. Puzzuoli

Benita M. Puzzuoli, age 74, longtime resident of Canton, went to be with the Lord on February 13, 2025. She was born May 12, 1950 in Detroit, Michigan; daughter of Joseph and Marcelle (Gaconia) Engerer. Benita was united in marriage to Kent Puzzuoli on April 21, 1972. Together, they built a life filled with love and shared 52 wonderful years married.

Benita grew up in Farmington and graduated from Farmington High School (where she and Kent met in art class) with the Class of 1968. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Oakland Community College and the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Benita continued her education at Marygrove University, where she completed studies for a master’s degree in elementary education with a preschool endorsement. 

Benita’s first teaching role was at Red Bell Nursery in Plymouth. She dedicated over 25 years of her life to subbing and teaching with Plymouth-Canton Public Schools. She adored her students and was a beloved kindergarten teacher who found immense joy in her work. Known for her incredible patience and energy, Benita had a special place in her heart for children who struggled or felt left out, always offering them extra care, love and support. She made sure to share her Christianity and God’s Golden Rule along the way. After retiring in 2017, her passion for teaching continued as she served as a substitute teacher for elementary grades at Plymouth Christian Academy, as well as St. Paul Lutheran School in Northville, where she also volunteered at vacation Bible school and subbed until recently. 

Benita was a devoted and active member of Christ Presbyterian Church in Novi for many years. She lovingly shared her passion for children by teaching in the church nursery during Sunday services and vacation Bible school. A faithful member of the congregation, Benita also served as a deacon.

Benita was a kind and compassionate soul, always attentive to the needs of those around her; including the stray cats in her neighborhood, whom she lovingly fed and cared for. She enjoyed crocheting and created beautiful scarves and hats, and her talent in the kitchen was evident in the delicious bread she made from scratch. An adventurous cook, Benita liked to watch cooking shows and recreate the featured recipes for her family. She found her greatest joy when surrounded by those she loved the most, especially her beloved grandson, Gabriel. Inseparable from the moment he was born, Benita adored him and found her happiest moments doing whatever brought him joy. She especially cherished their gourmet pizza Fridays, when they would bake pizza together to enjoy at her home. Benita’s warmth, kindness, selflessness and unwavering love and faith will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her kind and gentle spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Benita is survived by her loving husband, Kent Puzzuoli; her daughter, Michelle (Frank) Taverner; her grandson, Gabriel Taverner; her brothers, Dennis (Jill) Engerer, Louis (Debra) Engerer, and Clifford Engerer; her brothers-in-law, Brent (Francisca) Puzzuoli and David (Theresa) Puzzuoli; her sister-in-law, Lori (Jim) Karlow; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Robert Engerer and Kenneth Engerer. 

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. Rev. Dr. James N. McGuire from Christ Presbyterian Church of Novi will officiate the service. Mrs. Puzzuoli will be laid to rest at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville. Following this, family and friends will gather for a celebration of life at Genitti’s in downtown Northville.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Compassion International, Colorado Springs, CO 80997 or Michigan Humane Society, 2937 E. Grand Blvd., Ste. 800, Detroit, MI 48202.