Obituary of Gloria M. Benson

Schenectady - Gloria Benson, 84, went home to God in the early morning hours of Saturday, August 8, 2009 at Ellis Hospital . Mrs. Benson was born in 1925 to the late Antonio and Donata (Parravani) Marconi, both Italian immigrants. As a lifelong Schenectady resident, she attended local schools, including Nott Terrace Elementary, Oneida Junior High, and Nott Terrace High School. She married the late Richard James Benson on Easter Sunday 1951. Gloria worked for the Alco Company, at WTRY Radio, and spent 20 years working as a Receiving Clerk in the Ellis Hospital laboratory where she formed many lifelong friendships. She retired in the late 1980's. The focus of Gloria's life was her family. She doted on her two daughters, Susan White and Barbara O'Connor, and her five grandchildren, Jennifer O'Connor, Justin O'Connor, Rebecca (White) Mallette, John Oliver White IV, and Amy White. Gloria took great pride in watching her family grow and welcomed the addition of her grandchildren's spouses, Kathy (Dominy) White and Matthew Mallette. She had a very special relationship with all of her grandchildren, who were with her for many hours during her last days as was her son-in-law, John Oliver White III. She is also survived by a large extended family. Gloria also had a close relationship with Louise Marconi, her sister-in-law, who she grew up with and lived next door to for 56 years. Louise has been a constant source of friendship, love and support throughout Gloria's life. Gloria was always ready to lend a sympathetic ear and would try to help in any way that she could. She was extremely generous to her family and friends in many ways. Gloria was known for her wonderful cooking and rarely allowed anyone to leave the house without taking something with them. She loved talking with her friends on the phone, especially Toni Bursi, Terry Gilbert, Antoinette Catalfamo, and Ann Morgalis, all of whom were priceless to her. Gloria had a particular soft spot for babies and puppies and would light up whenever she encountered either. Any baby she laid eyes on was lavished with affection. She took particular joy in her pet dog, Pekoe. She also enjoyed dancing, cooking, reading, and watching TV. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Gerardus Jameson for his care, support, and guidance throughout Gloria's life. We would also like to thank all the family, friends, and exceptional caretakers who made Gloria's journey home easier, including Sue, Rose, Gloria, Eugene, and Cassandra. Calling hours will be held at the Jones Funeral Home 1503 Union Street, (at McClellan St.), Schenectady on Monday from 5-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church on Rosa Road in Schenectady on Tuesday August 11, 2009 at 9:00 AM. Interment will be at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The OCD Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 961029, Boston, MA 02196 and the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.