Laura Ann Benincasa

Laura Ann Benincasa, age 61, of Landenberg, PA, died Friday, January 17, 2025, at AccentCare Hospice at Christiana Hospital after a five-month battle with cancer. Born in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of Carolyn Livingston of Columbia, PA, and the late George Sternecker. She was also raised by her father, Jacob Livingston of Columbia, PA, from age 4. Laura graduated from Eastern York High School in 1981 and York College in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Her career in nursing spanned 42 years and she held LPN and RN positions at York Hospital in York, PA, and RN positions at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL, Tampa Children’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s in Tampa, FL, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Laura also received education and developed skills as an Interior Decorator and started her design career at Preferred Designs in Kennett Square but eventually had her own business doing interior design work in Southeastern PA. She freely offered her design services to friends and family or wherever her skills were needed.

She was an avid biker, hiker, runner, fitness mom, cook, and loved the adventure of planning and traveling with her husband and daughter to beautiful national parks and countries abroad. She was passionate about motherhood and provided years of guidance and opportunities to her daughter, Kate, in arts and the outdoors. Laura loved spending time gardening and she was an active member of the local Spade and Trowel Garden Club. She was active in the Somerset Lake Community where she lived, and knew most of the residents whom she often saw and chatted with during her frequent walks. Laura was a bright light filled with life and lived it fully every day. She inspired others to eat healthy, exercise and to travel and explore the world. 

In addition to her mother and father, she is survived by her beloved husband, John Benincasa; daughter, Kate Benincasa, of Landenberg, PA; her brother, George (Tricia) Livingston of Prospect, PA; two sisters, Gwen (Ted McDaniel) Livingston of Landenberg, PA, and Susan (Joe) Staugaard of Ardmore, PA; and several nephews and nieces. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Kennett Area Community Service 136 W Cedar Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348, kacsimpact.org/donate/ or The Children’s Fund, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation, chop.edu/giving

Arrangements are being handled by the Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. A private memorial service will be held in her honor. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit https://www.griecofunerals.com.