Helen Peter Risley Benson

Helen (Peter) Risley Benson, 94, of East Hartford, died peacefully on Friday, (January 14, 2011). She was the loving wife of the late Harold D. Benson, Sr. and the late Ralph A. Risley. Born in Marlborough on April 21, 1916, a daughter of the late John H. and Helen (Cordes) Peter, she had resided in East Hartford for most of her life. She was a graduate of East Hartford High School, Class of 1934. Helen was employed by the town of East Hartford Board of Education, retiring in 1982 after 32 years of dedicated service. Active in the town of East Hartford, Helen was the president of Woodland School P.T.A. in 1960, a long-time member and past president of the East Hartford Emblem Club #341 in 1962, and president of the Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 45 in 1971. She was also a member of the town of East Hartford Commission on Services to the Elderly and a member of the East Hartford Democratic Women's Club. However, most of all, Helen will be remembered as a devoted mother, loving Nana, and good friend to many who knew her. Besides her husbands and parents, Helen was predeceased by a brother, John H. Peter of Lebanon, and a son-in-law, Stanley L. Stason of Belleville, IL. Helen is survived by her four devoted children; two daughters, Cynthia R. Stason of Belleville, IL and Barbara A. Benson of East Hartford with whom she made her home; two sons, Ralph P. Risley and his wife, Maureen, of Spring Hill, FL and Harold ""Hal"" D. Benson, Jr. and his wife, Nicole ""Nicki"" of Avon; thirteen cherished grandchildren, Mark, Michael, Christopher, Scott, Melissa, Kim, Keith, Kirk, Jessica, Krista, Tessa, Olivia, and Ryan; twelve adored great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Funeral services will be Friday (January 21st) at 11 a.m. at the D'Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery, East Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel on Thursday (January 20th) from 3-7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Riverside Health & Rehabilitation Center, Attention: Resident Account Spencer Unit 3-CD, 745 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06108. Helen's family would like to express their sincere gratitude and thanks to Scott Ginter and the entire staff of Spencer Unit 3-CD of Riverside Health & Rehab Center for their professionalism, care, love and compassion given to Helen and her entire family. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.