Elizabeth “Beth” (Balch) Benckart

Elizabeth “Beth “ (Balch) Benckart

August 15, 1921 - September 02, 2020

Visitation: Services at a later date

Elizabeth (Balch) Benckart, of Fox Chapel, in her 100th year, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, September 02, 2020. Born August 15, 1921 in Madison, AL.; daughter of the late Joseph and Clara Blach. Beloved wife of the late Daniel H. Benckart, Sr.; loving mother of. Dr. Daniel H. Benckart, Jr. (Barbara), Gregory B. Benckart (Boo); proud grandmother of Sarah Benckart (Shaun Joseph), Melissa Simon (Matt), Gregory Benckart, Daniel Benckart, III, Elizabeth Severs (Evan), Carolyn Benckart, Andrew Benckart and Frank Benckart; great grandmother of Eliza and Henry.
Beth was born and raised in Madison, Alabama. After graduating from high school, she left Madison for a job with Delta airlines. Her career with Delta took her to Louisville, Kentucky; Chicago, Illinois; and finally Lexington, Kentucky, where she met Daniel Benckart. The couple married in February 1950. After making several career stops around the Midwest, the couple settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in the early 1960’s. Although she spent the rest of her life in Pittsburgh, she maintained her southern roots. She introduced many Pittsburgh friends to cheese grits, which became a staple dish at any event she hosted.

Beth led a very full life over her 99 years, spending her time raising two sons and volunteering at Magee Women’s Hospital, Fox Chapel Episcopal Church, and Longue Vue Club. Her love of gardening kept her an active member of the Hillcrest Garden Club well into her 90’s. She was a strong, independent woman who managed her household on her own for 31 years after the passing of her husband Dan in 1989.

Beth remained active throughout her life, traveling and biking extensively in Europe and Morocco well into her 70’s. She also loved playing bridge every week with close friends at Fox Chapel Golf Club.

She will always be remembered as a loving Mom, a great cook and hostess, a good friend, and a devoted Grandmother and Great Grandmother.

Due to the current pandemic there will be a private burial on September 13, 2020. A memorial event will be scheduled in the future once we can do so safely.

Donations in remembrance of Beth can be made to one of the following organizations that she supported: Friends of the Riverfront, The Children’s Institute, or the Christ Church of Fox Chapel.