ASHTABULA – A moment of silence was held at the March 2 Ashtabula City Council meeting for a woman who in 1984 became the first female Ashtabula County commissioner and went on to serve three terms before retiring.
Before the pause for remembrance, council member Kym Foglio shared some words about Jeanne Marie Bento, 91, of Ashtabula, who passed away Friday, Feb. 20, at Ashtabula Regional Medical Center.
“On Feb. 20th of this year, this city and county of Ashtabula lost a great leader,” Foglio said.
Noting Bento’s distinction as the first woman to be elected as a county commissioner in Ashtabula County, Foglio said Bento served 12 years and also served as the city’s representative to the Ashtabula County Convention Facilities Authority Board for at least 15 years.
In addition, Foglio noted Bento’s role in the founding of The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake and her service with Birth Care of Ashtabula County and many more boards.
According to Bento’s obituary, Bento also volunteered her time with Right to Life; 4-H; the Board of MRDD; the Democratic Club; the Anita Garibaldi Lodge, where she served as President; the Ashtabula County Ecodevelopment Board; and Catholic Charities.
“Her leadership and service left a lasting effect on this county and on us females, and she paved the way and set an example for all women in politics,” Foglio continued.
Foglio recalled how Bento had provided her valuable political advice recently.
“Jean was a close family friend and the last time I talked to her a couple weeks ago, I needed advice on a political matter and of course, Jeanne had the answer,” she said.
According to Foglio, Bento lived in Florida full-time for the last 10 or so years, and came back to Ohio frequently to visit family and kept her house here.
“As much as she loved her Ashtabula family, she also adored her Florida family,” Foglio said. “Even though she lived some 1,200 miles away in Florida, she knew everything that was going on in this county before any of us living here did. Rest in peace, Jeanne. Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Foglio also noted that Bento’s husband, Edward, who preceded her in death, was the City of Ashtabula manager.
Other leaders in Ashtabula County are also paying tribute to Bento.
Ashtabula County Commissioner Casey Kozlowski wrote on his Facebook page, “Saddened to learn of the passing of former Ashtabula County Commissioner Jeanne Bento. While we were from different political parties, I’ve always respected and appreciated those willing to step forward and serve in public office. Jeanne cared deeply about Ashtabula County and worked on many issues aimed at making our community better. I also had the opportunity to work alongside her more recently through her role with the CFA. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
