Benedetta 'Nita' Hanchett

Benedetta “Nita” Hanchett of Dearborn Hts., Michigan passed away on March 17, 2022 at the age of 81. She was born on May 1, 1940.

Nita was preceded in death by her parents Fay and John Reina Sr., son Sean (Starr) Hanchett, sister Marie (late Duane) Kruchek, brother John Jr. (late Vikki) Reina, uncle Keith (late Roberta) Goodnough, and former husband Daryle Hanchett.

Nita is survived by her son Raymond Hanchett; siblings Johnette (Phil) Alessi, Ron (Joanne) Stein, Larry Stein, and former sister-in-law Marilyn Long. She had 11 grandchildren: Crystal, late Crystal, Adam, Leah, Christian, Abigail, Aubrey, Dominic, Tylerr, Aleeaha, Sean; 11 great-grandchildren and 6 nieces and nephews.

Nita cherished her time with her sons Raymond and Sean and their families. She adored her grandchildren who lovingly called her Nummy. Throughout Nita’s life she treasured holiday gatherings. Aunt Nita considered time with the Reina family special to her. She lived most of her life on the same street and valued her neighbors. Nita thoroughly enjoyed many years working at Fanatic U in Garden City where she delighted in meeting a multitude of local professional athletes. She was blessed with too many friends to count, in fact if Nita got to know you, you were friends. Craig Monroe knew that well, she affectionately referred to him as her adopted son. He named her Mama Nita which she became known as to the many ball players who grew to love her. Taking loved ones to a baseball game gave her great joy as she was a dedicated Tiger’s fan who would have slept in Comerica Park if they let her! She enjoyed countless sporting events and outings with her dear friend Tammy Havenstein. Nita took pleasure in baking homemade bread to generously give to her family and friends. Per her final wishes to help the world, Nita donated her body to Wayne State University Body Bequest to help with further learning and research.

Whether you called her Benedetta, Nita, Mom, Nummy, Aunt Nita, or Mama Nita she will be dearly missed.