Jeannette “Jay” Benson, 74 of Derry, NH died Wednesday June 27, 2007 at her home. Mrs. Benson was born in Chester, NH on January 9, 1933 and had resided in Derry since 1955. She was a 1951 graduate of Pinkerton Academy, Derry and later graduated in 1953 from Westbrook Junior College, Biddeford, ME. She and her husband owned Benson’s Lumber and Hardware in Derry where she worked for more than 50 years. She was a member and first female Deaconess at First Parish Church, E. Derry. She was a member of the Greater Derry Chamber of Commerce and served on the board of directors. In addition, she was a founding member of the Frost Festival, which is held in Derry each winter. She was an avid skier for most of her life.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Grant G. Benson, Jr. of Derry, three sons, Grant G. Benson, III and his wife Sue of Hooksett, NH, Bradley N. Benson and his wife Linda of Derry, Scott E. Benson and his wife Sarah of Londonderry, NH, five grandchildren, Keith, Alycia, Victoria, Andrew and Christopher, and her sister, Dorothy Fortier of Derry.
Calling hours were held on Sunday July 1st from 2 – 5pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry. Funeral services were held on Monday at 10:00am in First Parish Church, 47 E. Derry Rd., E. Derry. Burial followed in Forest Hill Cemetery, E. Derry. Donations in her memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.