Irene Bencala, 92, of Saratoga, California, passed away quietly with family at her side on May 10, 2021. Her life was devoted to her husband, Edward (1923-2009), and to her many beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She was born December 15, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan. With their growing family, Irene and Edward lived in Dearborn, Detroit, and Livonia, Michigan; as well as Dayton, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Birmingham, Michigan, before they settled in Saratoga in 1968.
After her six children grew up, she continued for decades to be a gentle caregiver for many Saratoga children in her home.

Irene was a member of the Church of the Ascension for fifty-three years, where she taught catechism and served on the Altar Society.
She lives on in the fresh memories of her children: Ken (Sally), Janice (Tom), Sheryl (Bill), Dennis (Cheryl), Robert (Francoise), and Marianne; her nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
The visitation, rosary, and Funeral Mass will be held Friday, May 28, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. at the Church of the Ascension,12033 Miller Ave., Saratoga, CA (Please continue to wear your mask.). Interment following at the Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, 22555 Cristo Rey Dr., Los Altos, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org