Helen Ann Benson

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Helen Ann Benson, age 79, a Fredonia resident, died peacefully at home on October 6, 2009 with family by her side.

She was born in Dunkirk on February 9, 1930, the daughter of the late Ignatius and Ida Eckerle. She grew up in Dunkirk but spent time with family in Germany as a child. Helen loved to play basketball at Dunkirk High School.

She was employed by Welch's in Westfield and for many years at BOCES in Fredonia.

Helen volunteered with the Girl Scouts, Special Olympics and Meals on Wheels. She also worked with mentally handicapped children. She loved to swim, ice skate, roller skate, camp, garden, read, golf, bird watch and spend time with her family. Helen and her husband, Murray, took in foster children for many years.

Helen and Murray celebrated 61 years of marriage on February 3, 2009. They enjoyed 17 winters in Lakeland, FL.

Besides her husband, she is survived by a son Allen (Gillian) Benson of Herndon, VA; three daughters Ida M. (Bob) Klahn of East Otto, NY, Ann H. (Dan) Sullivan, and Mary E. Benson of Fredonia. She is also survived by three fost-er sons, John W. (Jeri) Wiedenhofer of Fredonia, Larry (Mary) Wiedenhofer of Tiverton, RI, and Bill (Sue) Wiedenhofer of Bakersfield, CA. Helen is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Mary Lou, and a brother, Otto.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church in Fredonia, NY by the Rev. Charles Zadora. Friends and family are invited to attend the Mass and may call Friday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Fantauzzi Funeral Home, 82 East Main St., Fredonia, NY. Interment at St. Mary's Cemetery in Dunkirk, NY. Flowers gratefully declined. The family suggests memorials be made to Special Olym-pics, the Girl Scouts of America, or HOSPICE.