Bernice “Bunny” Benson, 97, of Derry, NH died peacefully November 26, 2012 at home. Mrs. Benson was born in Dorchester, MA on April 19, 1915, a daughter of the late William F. and Bernice M. (Thayer) Horsford. She was a resident of Derry since 1967, formerly living many years in Malden, MA. Mrs. Benson lived a happy life filled with God, family and nature. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed the birds, sunrises and sunsets on Beaver Lake for over 45 years. She taught Sunday school and led women’s ministries for many years at the Maplewood Baptist Church in Malden. Her warm happy smile and joy of the Lord will be missed and remembered by all.
She is survived by one son, Daniel W. Benson, Jr., two daughters, Janice L. Daigle her husband Gerard of Derry, and May Fournier and her husband Ron of Hampstead, NH, 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, one sister, Ruth Skane of N. Hampton, NH. She also leaves many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Daniel W. Benson, Sr. in 1994, her two sons, Ronald A. Benson and Stephen W. Benson, and by her sisters, Mildred Foley and Doris Thistle.
Calling hours were held on Wednesday November 28, 2012 from 5 – 8 pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. Funeral services were held on Thursday at 10:00 am in the funeral home. Burial followed in Forest Hill Cemetery, E. Derry.