Florence Marilyn Benassi Burleigh Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Florence Marilyn Benassi Burleigh, 94, went to be with her Lord July 31, 2022, with her daughters by her side. She was born December 28, 1927, in Duluth, Minnesota to Charles Paul and Emily Behnke Benassi. Florence studied several semesters at St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN followed by a course in x-ray technology from St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth. She worked at Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota for several years before she met and married Edward Burleigh, Jr. who was a medical intern at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth. After their wedding on September 19, 1953, the couple moved to Eveleth, Minnesota where Dr. Burleigh practiced medicine at the East Range Clinic. In January 1957, Ed and Florence moved their growing family to Minneapolis for a two-year Residency in Anesthesiology. Upon completion of the two years, the family moved to Lafayette, Louisiana in 1959 where they raised their family. She is survived by her four daughters, Susan Burleigh Shaw (Raymond), of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, Rev. Elaine Burleigh of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Ann Burleigh Rasmussen (Brian) of Lake Charles, and Carolyn Burleigh Smith (Robert), of Lufkin, Texas. She also leaves behind four grandchildren, Dr. Matthew Edward Smith (Stephanie), of Richmond, Texas, Sarah Marie Smith, of Lufkin, Texas, Charlotte Prejean Carleton (Wesley) of Houston, and Brian Joseph Prejean of Galveston, Texas. She was also blessed with three great-grandsons, Woodes Edward Carleton, Luke Edward Smith, and Nathan Robert Smith. At the time of her death, she was expecting a fourth great-grandson, Elijah Scott Smith. A reception will be held Saturday morning, August 6, 2022 from 10:00 AM to Noon at First United Methodist Church, 703 Lee Avenue in Lafayette, followed by a memorial service at the church officiated by Rev. Jessica Lowe and Rev. Fred Fraiser. Inurnment will follow at Lafayette Memorial Park. The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Heart of Hospice and to Florence’s dedicated caregivers, Betty Malveaux and Anna Broussard. Their compassion and loving service have been a great comfort during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in Florence’s memory to First United Methodist Church of Lafayette, Louisiana, The Disabled American Veterans Association, or The Salvation Army. Personal condolences may be sent to the Burleigh family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA is in charge of funeral arrangements. Copyright Delhomme Funeral Home, Inc. August 2022.

Florence Marilyn Benassi Burleigh

December 28, 1927 - July 31, 2022