New London- Lillian Marie (Stevko) Benson, 81, of Mystic entered into eternal life on December 7th 2012 in the comfort of her loving family at the Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London. She was born in Newark NJ on September 7, 1931 to Suzanna and Matthew Stevko. She grew up in Irvington NJ and graduated from Irvington High School class of 1949. At age 23 in October 1954 she met the love of her life Carl Edward Benson Jr. of Uncasville CT while he was on active duty in the US Army stationed in New Jersey. They were engaged to be married in November of that same year just prior to Carl being sent to Korea for active duty military service where they corresponded on a daily basis. She later married Carl on June 30, 1956 upon his return from Korea. Carl and Lillian first settled in the town of Uncasville, however they soon moved to Mystic where they lived happily together for more than fifty years. Lillian and Carl were faithfully married for 56 years. Lillian was a kind hearted person who loved animals, was an avid UConn Husky fan and loved her teddy bear collection. She was a beautiful woman who accepted all regardless of their faults and or differences. Lillian believed in finding the good in people rather than judging them for their faults.
She was a lifelong wife, mother, and grandmother who loved having family parties and events where she enjoyed the loud debates and discussions of the family in attendance. When the noise got loud and the debates were long she just sat at the table smiling for she knew that it was just her family being the Benson family. She raised five children in her home in Mystic, often by herself because her husband's work required him to be away from home sometimes for several days and at times for several weeks.
Lillian was predeceased by her parents Matthew and Suzanna Stevko, also her sister Mildred Brevnik. She is survived by her husband Carl Benson of Mystic, her sister Dorothy King of Santa Clarita, CA, her son James Benson of Charlotte NC, daughters Joni Donnelly of Torrington, Susan Picken of Groton, Mary Slater of New London, and Kathy Jo Benson of New London. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and also many nieces and nephews.
Her family will receive relatives and friends from 4 pm to 6 pm on Tuesday evening December 11th, 2012 at the Fulton Theroux Funeral Home, 181 Ocean Ave., New London. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the St Mary's Mother of the Redeemer Church, Top of Fort Hill in Groton at 10 am on Wednesday, December 12th 2012. Interment will immediately follow the mass at the St. Patrick's Cemetery on Depot Road in Montville. Please visit www.fultontherouxnewlondon.com for photos, tributes, directions and more service information.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Lillian's name to the Town of Groton Animal Control, 68 Groton Long Point Rd., Groton CT.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 12, 2012
PRUDENCE WILLIAMS
Dear Carl and family,
While we only met Lillian a few weeks ago, it was evident she was a woman with a gracious spirit and kind heart.
Carl, I marveled at your devotion to her and attentive care. My mother,(Cecile - Lillian's former roommate) and I send our sincere condolences to your entire family at this time of loss. May God's peace comfort you.
December 11, 2012
Our sympathies to the Benson family from Kelly Moore Ivins and extended family.
December 11, 2012
Dottie King
Dearest Carl and family,
We are deeply saddened by my sister Lillian's passing. Carl, your love for your wife Lillian was so special and the devotion showed by your children is incredible. We wish it could have been possible for us to be with you at this time but we do want you to know that our hearts are with you as well as our thoughts and prayers.
God gave me such a blessed gift when he gave me my very beautiful little sister. Lillian, I will miss you and love you forever. May peace be with you and may god bless you.
Love , your sister Dottie and brother in law Warren.
December 11, 2012
Marybeth Fecteau Calasant
Jim & Ruth, I haven't seen you in a long time but think of you often. I am so sorry about the loss of your Mother. My Mom is gone 2 years this month and I miss her everyday. My prayers are with you and your family. Love, Marybeth
December 11, 2012
Dan & Lorraine Elliott
Sonny and family Dan and i are very sorry for your loss Lillian was a very nice woman and she will be missed at family gatherings she was always smiling and had a nice thing to say to everyone i'm sure there is a big hole in your family i know ther will be one in the elliott family
December 10, 2012
Gerard Leclair NFA Class of 52
Carl and Family:
Sorry to hear of Lillian's passing.
My Prayers are with you and your family.
December 10, 2012
Tim and Donna Costello
Dear Carl (Sonny) and family,
Donna and I were saddened to hear of Lillian's passing. Hers was a good life from all accounts, and she will obviously be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
December 10, 2012
Barbara & Dana Kenny
So sorry to hear of Lillian's passing. I mailed a X-mas card to you folks the day that she passed. Not very timely, but I didn't know. Please know that our prayers are with the family (especially Susan), who was so good to me while I wasin the hospital.
December 10, 2012
Barbara Lewis
Sue Picken and family we are so sorry to hear about your mom. Our prayer and thoughts go out to you all. Barbara & Jason Lewis and family
December 10, 2012
Nancy Seely-Butler
"So sorry ot hear of Lillian's passing. I knew her for over 20 years. She was a lovely lady.
December 10, 2012
Beverly Picken
Susan and Family, Sorry to here of Lillian's passing, my prayers are with you. I am also sorry not to be there with you at this time, but will be there s.in spirit. Love you Sue.and the Benson Family
December 9, 2012
Sue & family- I'm so sorry for your loss. I feel like I knew your mom through Chrissy and Jared. They have always spoken highly of her and I know she has a special place in their hearts. Take care and call anytime. Love Diane York
December 9, 2012
Frank Kretchmer
So very sorry to hear of Aunt Lilly's passing. I'll always remember your full wagon-load family visits to New Jersey 'to grandmothers house we go' which were always very special and we'd get to see how all of the kids had grown since your last visit - She was always so proud of all of you. May you be comforted in knowing that all of the many wonderful memories you have of your Mom/Aunt Lilly will remain with you, and all of us forever.
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