SOUTHWICK: Marlene J. (Whipple) Benson, 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 17, 2021 after a recent illness. She was born April 8, 1936 to Gerald Whipple and Jane Goff. Marlene was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Roy. She is survived by her daughter Robin Wilson (husband Donald), three granddaughters, Jennifer Conti (husband Angelo), Susan Ghiloni (husband Mark), Christine Devlin (husband Liam) and a beautiful great-granddaughter Abigail Ghiloni.
Marlene grew up on a farm in Granby, CT. Roy and Marlene raised their daughter in West Suffield before moving to Southwick where, together, they operated Roy’s Trailer Service and Marlco Products. After many years out of the workforce, Marlene returned to work as a department manager at Ames and an Ambassador for Forastiere Family Funeral Homes.
Marlene was a dedicated gardener and baker. She always enjoyed computer games, crossword puzzles, courtroom drama tv shows and murder mystery books. She shared a love of primitive folk art, antiques and interior decorating with her devoted daughter. Although she was not Swedish, she had great affection for her husband’s Swedish background. She was known as Mor Mor to her grandchildren and she was a wonderful Mor Mor. She made every holiday special for her family with her perfect blend of vintage decor, hardy family dinners, and homemade desserts. Though she will be truly missed, those many fond memories will keep her family warm this Christmas.
To share appreciation for both Marlene and her husband Roy, who passed away in April 2020, there will be a combined visitation to honor and celebrate their lives on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 from 4:00-6:00pm at Southwick Forastiere Funeral & Cremation on 624 College Highway in Southwick. Marlene’s funeral service will be private for the family and she will be interred in New Cemetery. Donations may be made in their memory to the Friends of the Southwick Senior Center, 454 College Highway, Southwick MA 01077. For more information or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.forastiere.com.
