Loraine E. Benzinger

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Loraine E. Benzinger, 93, of New Fairfield, CT. She passed peacefully in her home on Friday, June 27, 2025 surrounded by the love of her family.

Loraine was born March 2, 1932 at home in the Bronx, N.Y.C., a daughter of the late Charles L. Bauer and Anna (Juravoty) Bauer. She was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be missed by her children: Lori Ann Gibbs, Mark Benzinger, Cheryl Gearing, Paul Charles Benzinger (Cheri), and Heidi Vidak (Jason); her grandchildren: Benjamin Gibbs (Emilie), Amy Owens (Jim), Michael Benzinger, Nicole Rose (A.J.), Justin Gearing, Mark Gearing, Louis Perna, Paul S. Benzinger, Jason Benzinger (Klansey), Laura Ansley, John Vidak, and Hannah Vidak; and great-children: Isabella Gibbs, Liliana Gibbs, Evan Owens, Noah Benzinger, Julia Gearing, Melanie Perna, Rowynn Benzinger, Larkynn Benzinger, Oaklynn Benzinger, Mya Jacobs, and Eli Ansley. Loraine was predeceased by Simon A. Benzinger, her loving husband of 57 years, infant son Paul Andrew Benzinger, brother Charles E. Bauer, and sister Lorraine Bauer.

Loraine led a long, full life. During her early years, her family spent the summers camping at Squantz Pond State Park to escape the heat of the city. After spending many years camping, her family acquired property in New Fairfield and built summer cottages to enjoy and rent. As in much of New Fairfield, these cottages became year round homes, where Loraine lived since 1964.

Loraine grew up on Cauldwell Avenue in the Bronx. She graduated from Walton High School in 1950. She met the love of her life and forever dance partner, Si, at the Weiss Blau German Dance Club. Si and Loraine were married in 1952. Upon his return home from serving time in the Army during the Korean War, they moved to Kankakee, IL, with their infant daughter, for Si’s employment. However, Loraine was homesick for family and Connecticut. So, the family of now 6, returned to New Fairfield, Connecticut in 1964.

Loraine was an active volunteer in her community. She became a member of the Squantz Engine Ladies Auxiliary soon after her move to New Fairfield. She was also one of the dispatchers for the fire department at a time when the emergency calls were answered by the dispatchers in their homes. Loraine also volunteered at St. Edward the Confessor Church in many capacities such as assisting with the weekly bulletin, collecting donations, and helping with CCD classes. Additionally, Loraine contributed her time and effort at the New Fairfield-Sherman Animal Shelter. She often donated supplies, helped clean, and spent time socializing with the animals.

Loraine’s initial foray into the work force consisted of being a key punch operator. She used a key punch machine to transcribe data onto punch cards which were used as input for early computers. She also worked in the New Fairfield school cafeterias while her youngest daughter was in school. She may be remembered for having a “riddle of the day” for students and staff. During voting times, Loraine enjoyed being involved with the counting of the absentee ballots.

Loraine will be remembered for her quick-witted personality, kind heart, and fondness for animals. While engaging in conversation with Loraine, she would often have quick, clever, and humorous comebacks, making you think before you spoke. If you knew her, you knew to be prepared and hopefully have a humorous response of your own. Her playful banter brought smiles to many faces. Also, Loraine had a compassionate nature. She cared about people and was always ready to lend them a helping hand, whether it was a place to sleep, food to eat, or any assistance needed. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome. Loraine’s kindness also extended to animals. She often took in any stray animals that her husband or children brought home. Loraine also assisted with the Puppies Behind Bars program in Danbury.

One of Loraine’s favorite past times was spending time in Rhode Island. Loraine and Si spent the summers camping in Middletown and enjoying their timeshare in Newport. Her favorite activities included watching sunsets at Battery Park, eating lobster, searching for sea glass, viewing the ocean from Brenton Point, and shopping at the Christmas Tree Shop. Loraine also enjoyed crafting, playing solitaire, reading books and her newspaper, as well as doing the daily crossword puzzle.

Loraine will be fondly remembered, greatly missed, and remain forever in our hearts.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Edward the Confessor Church, 21 Brush Hill Rd., New Fairfield on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at a later date. Reception to immediately follow at Biscotti’s in New Fairfield, CT.

In lieu of followers, please consider a memorial contribution in Loraine's name to: Squantz Engine Company, P.O. Box 8220, New Fairfield, CT 06812; or New Fairfield-Sherman Animal Welfare, 223 State Route 37, New Fairfield, CT 06812; or Safe Haven Farm Sanctuary, 254 Gardner Hollow Rd., Poughquag, NY 12570 (safehavenfarmsanctuary.org).