Benedette Anne Palazzola, beloved daughter, sister, and friend, passed away on August 6, 2026, following a long illness.
Benedette was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to University of Michigan professor of art, Guy Palazzola, and his wife, Louise W. Palazzola. Ben, or Benjy, was the fourth and youngest daughter and one of five children. She attended Pioneer High School, where she excelled in academics as well as gymnastics, swimming, and diving. Following high school, Benedette attended the University of Michigan, where she majored in dance, eventually earning a master of fine arts degree in dance, and later, a degree in librarianship from U-M. She pursued a career in dance and choreography in New York City, receiving favorable notice in the New York Times, while also working as a librarian in Brooklyn. After returning home to Ann Arbor, Benedette was employed as the librarian for the U-M English Language Institute, eventually retiring and finding much enjoyment in part-time work with children at several Ann Arbor daycare centers.
Benedette was a highly creative person who wrote poetry, painted, and quilted. She also loved to read, attend classical music concerts, and was an inveterate collector and completer of jigsaw puzzles—the more pieces, the better. She was a lovely, loving person with a gentle spirit who will be deeply and forever missed by her siblings and friends.
Services were held privately. Donations in Benedette’s name may be made to the Nature Conservancy or the Alliance for the Great Lakes.
Please visit niefuneralhomes.com to express condolences and leave remembrances in memory of Benedette.