Helen-Marie McBennett, 84, wife of the late Patrick Gerard McBennett of Norwalk, slipped away peacefully after a long illness on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at Wilton Meadows Health Care Center.
Born November 23, 1931, in the Bronx, New York, she was the daughter of the late Floyd E. and Helen M. Beers.
Helen and her family relocated to Norwalk, CT while entering into her senior year of high school and graduated from Norwalk High School with the class of 1949. She was primarily a homemaker and mother to her 7 children, while becoming the first female Water Commissioner for the 1st District Water Dept. in Norwalk. Once her children finished school, she re-entered the workforce as a receptionist. During her retirement, Helen volunteered teaching a computer course at Norwalk Senior Center.
She is survived by her daughter Kathleen and her husband Stephen Sasloe of Norwalk, Patrick and his wife Bonnie McBennett of Stratford, Joan McBennett of Norwalk, Ann Raab and her husband Alexander of Ridgefield, Peter and his wife Sasha McBennett of Ashland, Oregon, Robert and his wife Joan McBennett of Fairfield.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kyle, Ryan and Taylor Sasloe, Claire and Daniel McBennett, Sierra Raab and James and Keira McBennett. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband Helen was predeceased by her beloved son Kevin and her grandchild Alexander.
Friends may call on Sunday, July 31, from 4:00 to 6:00PM at the Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Avenue, Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 1, at 10:00 AM at St. Matthew Church, 216 Scribner Avenue, Norwalk. Interment will follow in St. John Cemetery, 223 Richards Avenue, Norwalk.
Donations in her name may be made to: Norwalk Senior Center, 11 Allen Rd, Norwalk, CT 06851.