Michele J. Benham, loving wife, mother, sister and aunt

CUBA — Michele Benham, of Haskell Road, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Olean General Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Michele was born March 14, 1960, in Olean, and was the daughter of Raymond W. and Patricia A. Barr Carapellatti.

Michele was a 1978 graduate of Olean High School. She attended Jamestown Community College.

Michele was employed for many years at the Holiday Inn, which was the family business. She went on after the family business was sold and started her career at Dresser Rand in 1987 and retired in 2018 after 31 years of service.

After her retirement her husband and her became involved with their son in farming and his recent purchase of his farm in Cuba. Michele enjoyed traveling with her husband and son on various trips to acquire new farm equipment and attend various farm shows and fairs.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening and in her earlier years she and her husband loved to ride their Harley Davidson motorcycles. Michele had a passion for classic muscle cars. She was a member of the Portville Rod and Gun Club and enjoyed visiting with all the members.

Michele is survived by her husband, Greg Benham; her son, Bradly; her five siblings, Raymond (Gail) Carapellatti of Florida, Richard (Helena) Carapellatti of Arizona, Paul (Lynn) Carapellatti of Hinsdale, Mary Ann (Robert) Dupree of Texas and Susan (Michael) Tucker of Olean; many precious nieces and nephews; grand-nieces and grand-nephews; and her special friends, Becky Mosak and Sue Russell.

Michele was predeceased by her parents; her father-in-law, Kenneth Benham; her brother, Mark Carapellatti; and a nephew, Jason Tucker.

Friends will be received from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday (March 22, 2026) at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., Olean, at which time a funeral service will be held. Burial will be in the Hinsdale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cattaraugus County SPCA, 2944 Route 16, Olean, NY 14760.

Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.