Obituary: Maria G. Benson, 89, Of Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — (From Wallingford Funeral Home): Maria G. Benson, 89, of Wallingford, loving wife of Joseph Benson for 67 Years, passed away peacefully, December 9, 2023 at Connecticut Hospice with her family by her side.

Maria was born in New Haven on March 1, 1934, a daughter of the late John and Margaret (Gargano) Ciaburri.

Maria was very active in her early years in the Ladies Guild at the Church of the Resurrection. She later worked for Gaylord Hospital in the Business Office for many productive and enjoyable years and established lasting friendships with her colleagues. She loved dressing up for Halloween at Gaylord and was awarded for her many outrageous costumes.

Maria will always be known as a devoted NY Yankees fan. She spent many hours engrossed in watching her favorite team.

Maria also loved vacationing at Cape Cod, taking long walks and relaxing on the beach. She was also an avid knitter and had many friends who shared that activity with her. She handcrafted an abundance of beautifully knitted items that will be treasured.

Maria was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and more recently, great grandmother. She was dedicated to raising her children and supporting them unconditionally. This will never be forgotten. Most striking about Maria, besides her beautiful blue eyes, was her sense of humor. She was quick-witted, funny, and had comedic timing. This trait was even evident during her last days with us. Her memory will always make us smile with love and appreciation of her goodness.

In addition to her husband, Joseph, she is survived by her daughters, Donna Greenberg and her husband, Dr. Randy Greenberg, of Cheshire and Diane Camp and her husband, David, of Wallingford; her sons, Joseph Benson Jr. and his partner, Cherie Mangino, of Wallingford and James Benson and his wife, Tracey, of Cheshire; her daughter-in-law, Debbie Benson of Durham; her brother, Rocco Lombardi; her grandchildren, Sarah Grillo, David Greenberg, Stephen Greenberg, Joseph Benson III, Jennifer Benson, Jaquelyn Benson Caponigro, Dana Camp, Patrick Camp, David Camp, Maureen Hunter, Hannah Benson, Corey Alfieri and Charlette Alfieri; her great grandchildren, Grayson, Aurelia, and Violet Grillo, Nora Camp, and Enzo Caponigro; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Trifomina Mascia and her brothers, Frank and Dominic Lombardi.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to St Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.