Frances Ellen Benedetti née Kaschmitter

On May 4th at 1:05 PM, the heart of our family, Fran, embarked on her next great adventure, leaving this world far too soon. She passed peacefully at the age of 68, surrounded by her loved ones at her home in Utah. In her final moments, Fran was holding hands with her beloved husband, Gary, and her son, Eric. As she took her last breath, a sudden gust of wind slammed a door shut, startling everyone. The day had been unusually calm and clear until then. We believe this was Fran's way of saying, “Goodbye for now, I’m free.”

Fran was born on May 23, 1955, in Boise, Idaho, and was the middle child among six siblings. A born nurturer, she spent her childhood playing with dolls, hosting tea parties, and caring for her younger siblings. After graduating from Judge Memorial High School in 1973, Fran pursued a career in nursing, earning her Registered Nursing degree from the College of Southern Idaho in 1976. She married Gary Eugene Benedetti on January 22, 1983, and they welcomed their son, Eric, two years later.

Throughout her adult life, Fran courageously battled cancer and endured the side effects of early, unrefined treatments. In spite of everything she endured, Fran never complained and continued to work as a nurse during her treatments, providing comfort and care to thousands of patients in pain. Fran worked at various hospitals and clinics, including the Salt Lake Surgical Center, where she specialized in pain management from 1998 until her medical retirement in 2008. Fran's legacy of resilience, compassion, and love endures in the hearts of all who knew her professionally.

Throughout her life, Fran held a profound love for nature and the great outdoors, finding joy and tranquility in the wild landscapes surrounding her. Fran's passion for the natural world extended to camping trips with Gary and  Eric. Favorite activities included exploring new trails or simply enjoying the warmth of a campfire under a starlit sky. She and Gary constructed a cabin nestled in the wilderness along the Salmon River of Idaho. This beloved retreat became their summer haven, where they shared countless moments of laughter and joy with friends and family, creating memories that would last a lifetime for many. An avid reader, Fran had an insatiable appetite for books and could often be found lost in pages that spanned every imaginable genre while relaxing on the deck of their cabin.

Over the past few years, Fran thrived as a beloved mother-in-law and grandmother. She excelled in these roles, forging a special bond with Malia and embracing Bryony as a daughter in spirit and love. Fran's legacy endures in Malia, mirrored in her appearance, her spirited nature, and her profound compassion for others.

Our cherished wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend is lovingly survived by her husband, Gary; her son, Eric; her daughter, Bryony; and her granddaughter, Malia. May the beautiful spirit and guiding light of Fran Benedetti live on forever. She is preceded by her sister, Lori; her parents Leon and Barbara Frances Kaschmitter; nephew, Christopher; and her favorite kitty Sego Lily.

A celebration of life will be on Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 6-8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East. Guests are encouraged to use the parking on the north side. In accordance with her wishes, Fran will be donated to science, a cause she felt strongly about. For those unable to attend, toasts to Fran will be livestreamed beginning at 7:00 PM.  Please return to this page where a “watch service live” button will appear at 6:30.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary under Fran’s name. Donations will go to the care and rehabilitation of cats, something which Fran was passionate about.