Mrs. Mary Catherine Bennett age 87, of Fernandina Beach, Fl, passed away Sunday February 5, 2017 at her residence on Calhoun Street with her family by her side. A native and lifelong resident of Fernandina, she was born on April 23, 1929, the daughter of the Late Joseph Francis and Rachel O�Hagan Bruni , members of a pioneer Fernandina family. She graduated from St. Josephs Academy in 1947 and worked with her family at the Coca Cola Bottling Company in Fernandina. In 1950 she married Cecil A. Bennett and they were dedicated members of their church. She assisted the teachers at St. Josephs Academy and was also very involved in the St. Michaels Women�s Auxiliary. In her spare time, she worked with ceramics and soon came to be quite known for her fine detailed creations. Mary Catherine was a faithful and long time member of St. Michael�s Catholic Church.

Her beloved sister Gloria Bradley, her brother-in-law, Payton Bradley and her niece Carol Ann Bradley all preceded her in death.

She leaves behind her husband of 67 years, Capt. Cecil A. Bennett, her son and daughter-in �law, Cecil Alvin �Al� Bennett and Mary Godwin Bennett, her two daughters and son-in-laws, Cecilia Ann and Kevin M. McCarthy and Julia Catherine and David Lee Powell all of Fernandina Beach, Fl. Her brother and sister-in-law Joe and Dana Hardee Bruni of Morgan City, La., Grandchildren, Brad and Kristy Bennett, Deron Bennett, Kyle and Jamie McCarthy, Sorcha and Rob Pellatier, Dorie and Mark Chauncey, Keith and Jennifer McCarthy, Brett McCarthy , Ten Great-Grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 from 5:00-7:00 PM , with the Vigil Service commencing at 6:00 PM.

A Funeral Mass of Celebration will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday at St. Michaels Catholic Church with Monsignor Vincent Haut, officiating. The family will serve as pallbearers. Mrs. Bennett will be laid to rest in the family lot in Bosque Bello Cemetery. Floral Tributes are accepted or you may make memorials in her name to St. Michaels Catholic Church, 505 Broome Street, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034.