Benita M. Strain

Benita M. Strain, 80, passed away on Monday, September 1, 2025, at her home in Bound Brook, NJ.

Born in New Brunswick to the late Vincenzo and Giovannina Mauro, Benita was a lifelong resident of Bound Brook. She graduated from Bound Brook High School, Class of ’63, and soon after began a dedicated career in human resources. She retired from her role as an HR Coordinator at American Standard in Piscataway, NJ in 2008.

Benita was a devoted and active communicant of St. Joseph Catholic Church, serving for many years as a CCD teacher and as a member of the Renew committee. Known for her kind heart and welcoming smile, she lived life with a quiet grace. She found joy in simple pleasures—especially spending afternoons on her porch visiting with neighbors and working on puzzles. Above all, she treasured time with her family, particularly her beloved grandchildren, who brought her immense pride and happiness. Spending her later years supporting their extra curricular enrichment, there was no sports team not rooted for, no band performance unattended, and no child left without a ride home from practice. She was her grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader in all aspects of their lives.

She was predeceased by her beloved brother-in-law, Peter Halpern.

Benita is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Lyle M. Strain; her daughter, Lynne Krauser, and husband Keith; her cherished grandchildren, Elizabeth, Nate, Ben, and Alicia; and her dear sisters, Amalia “Lia” Trench and Marina Halpern. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 PM on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the Bridgewater Funeral Home, 707 E. Main St., Bridgewater, NJ 08807. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Monday, September 8, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bound Brook. Entombment of ashes will follow at Bound Brook Cemetery.

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