Irene M. Benson

Irene Marie Benson died on Friday, April 8th at the age of 97. A resident of Jenkintown since 1957, she is the mother of Edward S.J. Benson Sr. (deceased, 2007) and is survived by her daughter-in-law Bonnie, three grandchildren Edward (Nicole), Erik (Amy), and Beau, and two great-grandchildren Laney and Sanne. After graduating from Kensington High School in 1942, Irene married Edward J. Benson, Jr two years later. Shortly thereafter, she joined the USO to support stateside efforts in World War II and later the Korean Conflict during the tenure of her husband’s military service. Irene lost her husband in 1978, and afterwards transitioned from a career as a mother and homemaker into a professional career as a secretary with IVB bank at Old York Rd and West Avenue and later with PSFS bank in Philadelphia. She continued to work well into her 80’s, having a successful tenure in sales at Bloomingdales at the Willow Grove mall. In addition to her professional life, family life, and social life, Irene’s service to Jenkintown and neighboring communities extends over 67 years from her faithful commitment to the Immaculate Conception Parish, volunteering at Stagecrafters Theater in Chestnut Hill, and various organizing roles with the Wyncote Women’s Club, as well as other philanthropic organizations. Charming, exceedingly warm and open to all who met her, caring, and loving, Irene sought to serve others continually through her senior years. Visitation hours will be from 9:15 to 10:15 AM on Tuesday, April 19th at Immaculate Conception Church located at 606 West Avenue in Jenkintown, Pa., followed by her funeral mass beginning at 10:30 AM. Following the mass, Irene will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery located at 4001 West Cheltenham Avenue in Cheltenham, Pa. Services entrusted to the Joseph J. McGoldrick Funeral Home, Jenkintown, PA. Condolences: www.McGoldrickFH.com