Bianca Elizabeth Benzion

Two-year-old Jack knew he would be getting a baby sister before his own mother, Elizabeth, did. When Elizabeth learned that Jack’s intuition was correct, she was beyond elated. Growing up as the big sister to three younger brothers, and then having three boys of her own, Elizabeth had dreams of being a mom to a daughter for as long as she can remember. Now that her dream was becoming reality, she eagerly anticipated seeing her daughter’s face and helping her achieve joy and success in every aspect of her life.

 Bianca fought hard to come to earth. Early in the pregnancy, Elizabeth was informed that there were significant complications with Bianca’s most vital organs including her heart and brain. Conflicting information and recommendations from various medical professionals followed. Elizabeth was fiercely optimistic, finding a new level of faith in prayer and priesthood blessings, and a resulting conviction that she needed to carry on. Miraculously, the most serious complications that concerned the doctors resolved themselves and both Elizabeth and Bianca were given a clean bill of health.

 At 10:23 p.m. on July 10, 2024, the night before Elizabeth’s own birthday, Bianca entered the world. She was born just a few days shy of her due date and weighed a healthy 6 pounds 13 ounces. When Bianca was first laid on Elizabeth’s chest, however, Elizabeth could tell something was not quite right. Bianca’s cries were soft and she appeared to struggle for breath. Ever the advocate for her children, Elizabeth immediately asked for help for her baby and the incredible team of doctors and nurses at Intermountain Health rushed to provide Bianca aid in breathing and life-saving support.

 Now Bianca fought hard to survive, showing her strength and determination with each punch and kick she gave her doctors and nurses. Although she was beautifully perfect on the outside, the particular anatomical anomalies that existed inside her body—ones that had gone undetected—made Bianca’s mortal life unsustainable. Only two hours after she came into the world, Bianca’s spirit left her body. Yet her beautiful presence continued to be felt by Elizabeth, the medical team, and visitors for the hours and days Elizabeth was able to hold Bianca after her passing.

 While Bianca’s time on earth may have been brief, her impact has already been substantial. Members of her medical team expressed feelings of honor for being entrusted with her care and of gratitude for having felt the influence of her spirit. The impact Bianca is having on her family—including her dad, Dan, and her four big brothers: Joey (11), Scotty (10), Charles (5), and Jack (2)—is only just the beginning. The boys were each thrilled to be getting a sister. Even though they met her after she had already passed, they felt her strong spirit and her love for them, and their love for her has been obvious as well.

 Elizabeth is immeasurably proud to be Bianca’s mom. She cherishes the time she was able to have with Bianca. Elizabeth feels it was an honor and privilege to carry and deliver a spirit who didn’t require all the training, trials, and tests of this life to be perfected in Christ. She has since found new meaning in the scripture “For [men and women are] spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy; And when separated, [they] cannot receive a fulness of joy” (Doctrine and Covenants 93:33-34). She has also found comfort from the words of the Savior: “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.” (John 14:18-19)

 Despite the heart-wrenching reality that Elizabeth’s many hopes and dreams for her baby girl will go unrealized on earth, she finds great peace in knowing that they will once again be reunited. The promise of their relationship lasting beyond the grave has brought Elizabeth peace amidst the tragedy of their separation. Until then, Bianca’s brief life has inspired Elizabeth—and undoubtedly many others—to strive for their best selves.

 Bianca will be buried at Kaysville Cemetery with her maternal great-grandmother, Carol Parker Kennah, a remarkable woman in Bianca’s family line who worked as a labor and delivery nurse.

 A viewing and funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 17 the East Mill Creek 12th Ward,,3103 East Craig Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. All are welcome to come honor Bianca’s beauty, and strength at the church building from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., prior to the service at 11:30 a.m.

Arrangements entrusted to Lindquist's Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Road, Layton, Utah.