Sima Benzsay's Obituary
It is with deep sorrow and immense love that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend Sima (Cohen) Benzsay, on March 5th. 2025 at the age of 91. Sima passed peacefully in Boca Raton, FL surrounded by her family.
Sima was born on October 14th, 1933 in Montreal, Canada to Rachel (Kagan) Cohen and Samuel Cohen and grew up alongside her five siblings: Irene, Anita, Martin, Bernie, and Allen. She married Rudolf Benzsay, her loving husband of 64 years, on October 12th, 1961 after a chance meeting at a pool in Montreal. Her and Rudy moved to Wilmington, Delaware, where they had two children, Zina and Ellyse. From there, they moved to Schenectady, New York where they resided for over 50 years, where Sima was a mother to her two daughters, a grandmother of five, and a pillar of her community. Sima and Rudy eventually moved to Boca Raton, Florida in 2021 to be with their family.
Sima is survived by her loving husband, Rudy; two daughters, Zina and Ellyse; her five grandchildren, Samantha, Hayley, Jake, Troy, and Skylar; and her three siblings: Martin, Bernie, and Anita. She is predeceased by her parents Rachel and Samuel; her sister Irene; and her brother, Allen.
In addition to being a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Sima was a devoted member to her Synagogue and community. She served as the President of the Sisterhood at Beth Israel for three terms. For her ongoing commitment and involvement at the Synagogue and Sisterhood, Beth Israel had awarded her with the Women of Valor Award, Exceptional Service Award, and the Gemilut Chasadim Award. Her service to the community was recognized by both Schenectady County and New York State, earning her Achievement Awards from both. She was an active board member of both Beth Israel and the local Hebew School. Sima took great pride in serving her community, demonstrated by her volunteer efforts managing gift shops at Beth Israel (Schenectady, NY), Daughters of Sarah (Schenectady, NY), and Temple Beth Israel (Boca Raton, FL), and preparation of catering and Kiddish at her Synagogue.
In her personal life, Sima had many accomplishments and interests. She loved to cook for her family, friends, and community members and was a cookbook author, having her recipes published in a Kosher cookbook at her Synagogue. She was a bowling champion in her younger days, and a member of a championship bowling team, a hobby she continued with her family. Sima was known for being an avid Mahjong player, having weekly games with her friends in both Schenectady and Boca Raton. Those that knew her know she was a dance enthusiast, always showing off her moves to any tune – from live music to the radio to the Family Feud theme song. Lastly, she was a competitive card player, known amongst her family for staying up late to play, and win, at Rummy.
Sima was a beautiful, loving, generous, kind, intelligent, funny, and thoughtful woman who was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.
Funeral Services and burial will be held on Friday, March 7th at 10:45 AM at Eternal Light Memorial Gardens, 11520 State Road 7, Boynton Beach, FL 33473. Shiva will be observed at the Benzsay family home, 4026 Exeter B, Boca Raton FL 33434 the following hours:
Saturday, March 8th 6:00pm – 8:00 pm
Sunday, March 9th – Wednesday March 12th: 3:00pm –7:30pm
The family requests donations be made to Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services in Sima’s memory.
May Sima’s memory be a blessing.
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