Paula Kerner Benard

Paula Kerner Benard, 83, passed away on September 13, 2026 at home with family by her side after a tough last battle with heart failure. She was born on November 6, 1942 in Los Angeles. She grew up in West Los Angeles and had been living in Manhattan Beach for the last 50 years. She was predeceased by her father Dr. Sydney Kerner, her brother Marcus Kerner, and her mother Matile Kerner.

She graduated from UCLA with a bachelor's degree in Art Education in 1965, and her love of art and creativity was woven into the rest of her life. She then completed a master's degree in Art History at CSULB in 1982. She was a Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) and then 4th/5th grade teacher for 40 years with students who adored her and one of their favorite annual projects was building time machines. She was involved in the community in the Manhattan Beach 10K Run Committee and Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Commission for many years. After her retirement, she volunteered at The Getty for several years and enjoyed traveling and time spent with family and friends.

She was an incredible daughter, wife, mother, and friend. Her kindness, wit, positivity, and resilience were unmatched. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Robert "Bob" Benard, and daughter Dr. Shawna Benard. She will be missed beyond measure and we will love her forever. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 1:00pm at Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary 6001 West Centinela Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90045. Memorial contributions in her name can be made to The American Heart Association, The Parkinson's Foundation, and The American Cancer Society.