Condolences
Memories of Cousin Jill:
As a latecomer to this great Benson Family, I’ve only known Jill for some 45 years. Not long enough! At our first meeting, I was immediately captivated by her glorious smile, which not only sharply revealed her deep dimples, but later uncovered her more beautiful personality. However, it did take me a little while longer to get over her “Strange Northern Accent”. (Imagine that: a New Yorker City slicker thinking her accent strange!) But I actually began to like it: in admiration, I tried to imitate pronouncing her words, like “roof” as “rough”, “water” as “wahter” and “umbrella” as “umbrell”.
Jill, unfortunately we lived miles apart and didn’t have a chance to see you often enough. I even missed being there for you when you lost your beloved Lou; Barbara went to you alone, while I attended the simultaneous funeral of my first cousin, Philomena. But, Barbara and I look forward to joining you, not only for your religious services this Sunday and Monday via Zoom, but ultimately share eternity with face to face with you and Lou. May you both rest in peace!
MEMORIES:
Jill and I, Barbara LaRosa Amato, share a unique position in the Benson Family Tree: we are both the oldest granddaughters. As such, we spent many all-short Summers together in the “Cold North Country” from the very time she was born. When she was big enough, she would take me, her “Big City Cousin” on long tours to “Far Away ‘Overtown’ “ She knew everyone and everyone knew her. But, I’m especially grateful to God that we could share her last two visits with us; first, on her face to face with me the family in Florida and second, her virtual visit with us via Zoom for her 80th Birthday. We look forward to doing the same at her religious services this Sunday and Monday, and physically when we join her in Eternity.