Grainne passed into the living arms of our lord and savior on Saturday, April 25, 2026. She was 81. Born in Dublin, Ireland in November 1944 to Richard and Teresa Lillis. The eldest of five, Grainne grew up with many responsibilities raising her two brothers, Dermot and Brian, and two sisters Imelda and Attracta. After moving with her family to Guilford, Surrey, England at age 13, she completed teachers college and eventually married David Bennett in 1966. They welcomed two sons, Martin and Simon before moving across the pond to St Louis, Missouri in 1974. After a move to Wilbraham from 1976 - 82, where they welcomed daughter Claire, the family moved back to St Louis. Grainne began a 31 year career as a middle school English teacher at Immacolata School in Clayton. A lifelong catholic, Grainne's faith sustained her. Her passion for theater, the St Louis Symphony Orchestra, wine, the beach, NYT Crosswords and service at St Peter's parish in kirkwood filled her life with meaning and joy. In 2002, Grainne married Joseph Dahlem who survives her today with his four children, and several grandchildren. In 2010, Grainne welcomed her first grandchild Charlie, born to Martin and Jennifer. Grainne spent her final months of life in Denver, being cared for by daughter Claire and her partner, Ryan Hynek.