Obituary: Sandra Elizabeth Benti, 79, Of Ridgefield

Information and Photo Courtesy Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Sandra Elizabeth Benti, 79, of Ridgefield, died peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. She was the loving wife of the late Vincenzo “Jim” Benti.

Sandra was born on Jan. 13, 1944, in Springfield, Missouri; the daughter of the late Joan (Southerland) and Jay Gean Kell Hanselman.

Sandra earned her Bachelor's of Science at Missouri State University in 1966 and went on to be a schoolteacher and married Randall Turner. These years were filled with magic and joy as she became a mother to her two children Kim and Jay Turner born in 1967 and 1969. She starred in plays and was a singer in a band with her husband, Randy. They went to Nashville with their band, she had many friends and many blessings. Randy and Sandy moved to Brookfield in the early 1970s.

Sandra’s life changed when her husband fell ill and left Connecticut to go back to Missouri. She worked as a single mother, raising her two children alone with courage, determination and insurmountable love. Her accomplishments over the years proved to be truly admirable. She went back to school, attending Rutgers University and the University of Connecticut, achieving her Master's Degree in Social Work. She worked at a number of hospitals including Eagle Hill in Newtown, as clinical director and Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan for 19 years. Sandra dedicated her life to helping others, she was a warrior and a strong woman who lived a modest life and always put her friends and family first. She had a way of bringing magic to everyone she touched, that was her gift.

Sandra also ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing two antique stores in Ridgefield, namely The Village Emporium and Gaston and Josephine’s, which she enjoyed for several years.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Sandra found joy in antiques, gardening, reading, decorating, and writing.

Sandra is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Turner and her son, Jay Turner; her granddaughters Elizabeth Jaylynn Tucci and Gabriella Joan Tucci; her nieces Jaylyn Fairchild (Jon) and Julie Bardelmeier (Michael). Her Stepfamily includes Mark, Laura, Marissa Joseph, Patty, Rose, Emil, Stephanie, Linda and Karen Benti.

Sandra was predeceased by husband, James Benti, her parents Joan Metten and Jay Gean Kell Hanselman and brother Greg Hanselman.

A funeral service in celebration of Sandra’s life will take place on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 353 Main Street, Ridgefield.