Ann Benson (McKenna) McCluskey, 98, of Demarest New Jersey, peacefully passed away on March 27, 2024 in her home of sixty-two years. Her nephew, William Smith, and long-term care provider was by her side at the time of her passing.  She was a parishioner of St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

Ann was born in Manhattan to parents Ann (Benson) and John J. McKenna.  Both parents were children of Irish Immigrants.  She grew up in Sacred Heart Parish, in the Highbridge section of the Bronx and is a graduate of Mother Cabrini High School, class of 1943. After graduating she worked in various positions in the fashion industry before landing a position with Time Life Inc. in midtown Manhattan.  She enjoyed her career and remained working there until retiring in the late 1950's to start a family.

Ann met her husband on a blind date and married John "Johnny" McCluskey at Sacred Heart Parish in Highbridgeon September 4, 1948.  They would remain married until his death on March 2, 2001.

Ann is survived by many who loved her including her daughter Nancy (Egan), her husband Dennis, her grandchildren Katilin, Kristin and her husband Mark Fitzner, and Ryan as well as great-grandchildren Mark Theodore Fitzner and Maisie Lousie Fitzner. She is also survived by many nephews and a niece: Robert, Brian, Jack, Tar, Mike, and Bill Smith, Rose (Smith) Keefe, Michael and Thomas McKenna, and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Ann is predeceased by her husband of 52 years Johnny, her parents Ann and John J. McKenna, all her siblings Rosemary Smith, Reverend John McKenna, James McKenna and Thomas McKenna, nieces Kathleen McKenna and Noreen McKenna; and nephew Kevin Smith.

Ann enjoyed family vacations, backyard parties, reading, and fashion.  Ann loved long conversations with family and friends on the telephone and catching up on all the latest news. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, sister, and friend. Faith, family and her Irish heritage were what she valued most.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Church, 573 Piermont Rd, Demarest, NJ at 10:30 am on Thursday, April 4, 2024.  Interment will follow at St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery located at 36 West Nyack Rd, Nanuet, NY.