LaVerne Benson

CHESHIRE- LaVerne E. Benson, 98, passed away Sunday March 16, 2014 at Mid-State Medical Center in Meriden.

She was born June 28, 1915 in Waterbury, CT daughter of the late Harry and Edith (Olson) Bengsten.

LaVerne was a graduate of Columbia School, Crosby High School, and the Waterbury Hospital School of Nursing Class of 1937. She was a RN at the Gaylord Rehab Center prior to her retirement.

She was a member of the Rainbow Girls, and was very active in sports, her community and church. LaVerne was one of the first members of Troop One Girl Scouts in Waterbury. She was a former member of the Naturalist Club, the Appalachian Mountain Club, and the Salvation Army. After her retirement LaVerne spent a great deal of time at Gaylord Hospital, doing charity work at the Salvation Army, her church, and the American Cancer Society.

She is survived by a son Keith Benson of Morris; four grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.

Arrangements- Laverne's funeral will be held 11 A.M March 20, 2014 at the First Congregational Church of Cheshire, 111 Church Drive, 06410. Family and friends are asked to meet directly at church. Burial will follow in New Pine Grove Cemetery, 850 Meriden Road, Waterbury, 06705. There are no calling hours. The Alderson Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 South Main St, 06410 is in charge of the arrangements. Donations in her name may be made to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, 565 Ashford Center Rd, Ashford, CT 06278.