Margaret Jardine Benson

Margaret J. Benson (Peg), a Suffield, CT resident for 46 years, formerly of Concord, MA, died on December 7th in Hartford, CT.  She was born in Quincy, MA 1932, the daughter of the late George and Helen (Walls) Jardine.

Peg was a survivor of childhood tuberculosis.  She spent seven years (ages 2 -9) at the New England Peabody Home for Crippled Children in Newton.  Despite this beginning, she was always positive and had a unique ability to relate to people and remember their interests and names.  She graduated from Stoneham High School, Class of 1950, and Burdette College. She met her beloved husband of 60 years, Arthur Lennart Benson, "Art" at Arthur D. Little Company.  They married in 1955.  

They lived in Jacksonville, FL, while Art was stationed on the U.S.S. Ticonderoga and then in Oak Ridge, TN, while Art worked for the Atomic Energy Commission. They missed New England, so in 1961, they returned and settled in Concord, MA.  In 1977, they relocated to Congamond Lakes in Suffield, CT.  There, she loved hosting family gatherings.  Over the years, Peg divided her time between raising her family and working numerous part-time jobs – secretarial work for ADL, Noble Hospital, and the Institute of Living.  She also worked at the Suffield Library.  

While a resident of Concord, she and Art were founding members of the Heritage Pool and Racquet Club. She had a great sense of humor and many interests.  She was an avid bird watcher, enjoyed long daily walks, played bridge and was active in the League of Women Voters.  She also loved Concord's historical and educational aspects and particularly enjoyed the time she was a Docent at the Old Manse.

She is survived by her four children: Arthur Jr. "Chip" and his wife Roberta (Lane) "Bobbi" of Concord, MA. Douglas Benson of New York City. Gregory Benson of West Suffield, CT, his wife Kathy (Kelly) Benson, their three children Kirsten, Katie, and Robbie and his wife Juliana (Wallace) and their daughter Lily Rose.  Kathryn (Benson) Hebert of Granby, CT and her three children Kelsey, Megan and her partner Justin Carrier, and Ben and his wife Kathryn (Boit). She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She is pre-deceased by her husband Arthur, twin sister Nancy Ulrich, and younger sister Dorothy Ayres, both of Wakefield, MA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name may be made to the Alzheimers Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th Floor New York, New York 10001, or the Trustees of Reservations, 200 High Street, 4^th Floor, Boston, MA 02110.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held in the Spring.