ALBANY – Helen Mary Costello Benoit, 101, passed away on Thursday April 23, 2020 at Wesley Enhanced Living at Stapeley in Philadelphia, PA, where she was a resident. Born in Northampton, MA, Helen was a long-time resident of Albany.
After graduating from Northampton High School and Smith College, Helen worked as a technical assistant at Princeton University and a research assistant at the League of Nations. She was an underwriter with Aetna in Boston, Hartford, and Albany, and was employed by the State of NY Department of Civil Service before retiring to raise her family.
Helen volunteered at Holy Cross School, the American Red Cross, and the Albany Visitors Center in Quackenbush Square. She enjoyed gardening, researching her Irish family history, and her bridge group. Helen was a communicant at Holy Cross Church and All Saints Catholic Church.
Helen is survived by her children Ellen Benoit (David Wray); Jean (Simon) Tickell, and Martin (Susan) Benoit; as well as grandchildren Nora (Rick) Callahan, Anne Tickell, Michael (Kristin) Benoit, Jeremy Benoit, and Luke Benoit; great-grandsons Harrison and Jacob Benoit; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years Francis Benoit, a sister Winifred McGreal, and brother Philip Costello.
A private service will be held at Hans Funeral Home, followed by interment in Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. To leave a message for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com . In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Helen’s memory to the Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany, 301 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12206 https://naba-vision.org/donate/.
Linda Hulin
Thursday I lost a very dear aunt. She was always kind to all those who knew her. This is what I received when I lost my husband and every line is true and will help Helen’s family get through this.
Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near;
Still loved, still missed and very dear.
Anonymus
May God welcome Helen into his arms and rejoin her with her husband Francis.
Linda Hulin
Wendy Mcgraw
Our deepest condolences to your family.
We have so many fond memories of Aunt Helen.
The numerous times we visited with Aunt Helen and Uncle Francis in Owls Head at my grandparents will always be remembered with a smile.
Sincerely, Joe and Wendy Mcgraw and Family
Mary Maloy
Hi Marty, so sorry to hear about your Mom but you are right she had a great life longer than most. She is finally reunited with your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time and to Susan also. Be safe. Mary
Amita and Ujan
Dear Jean
We didn’t know your mother but we know what mothers mean to us. It is a great loss. Let her soul live in peace.
Our heartfelt condolences.
Take care
Sandi Becker
Ellen, Jean and Martin,
Thinking of you all, your Mom lived a long, good life. Her history of work and volunteering was great to read. Her picture was so nice. My husband , Rod, had met both of your parents once many years ago, so we have been talking and thinking of them. She was lucky to have you all and the families you gave her to enjoy.
Sandi (Hitchcock) Becker
Teresa Scilipote
Ellen,
I am saddened to hear of your mom‘s passing. You and your family are in my prayers.
Teresa Scilipote
Amy Wray
Dear Ellen, so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Although she lived a long, fulfilling life and it was not unexpected I know losing her leaves a hole in your heart. Here’s an epitaph I love that speaks to this:
A light from our household in gone. A voice we loved is stilled. A place is vacant in our hearts, That never can be filled.
Love and condolences to Helen’s family,
Amy Wray
Mary Dylis McDermott
Ellen, Jean and Marty,
So sorry for you loss Your mom was a great lady and I have so many pleasant memories. I know she will live in your hearts forever. Prayers for all. Mary
David Paige
Ellen, Jean and Martin:
We are qualified to offer a special accolade to your mother —She was always a good neighbor to us and our parents.
Sincerely,
Dave & Cathy Paige
Brother John Paige C.S.C.
Pat Livernois
Ellen, Jean and Martin:
I feel like a whole generation left with your mother. All of us have wonderful memories of all the times we got to gether with Aunts, Uncles and cousins. I think these days are gone forever. I don’t remember when it was that your parents came and spent a week with me in Richmond. They were the easiest and most enjoyable guests I’ve ever had.
Aunt Helen was so calm and peaceful she was easy to spend time with . I will cherish these memories and think of her often.
Sincerely,
Patti
Shea A Cronley
Dear Jean, Simon and Family,
We are thinking of you all, thoughts and prayers. We loved being able to see your mom in the last few years. Such a sweet person.
Love, Shea, Jeff, Andy, Matt and Casey
Bob Daley
Marty, Ellen and Jean,
I’ll always remember growing up at the Benoit house. Your mother was a great lady and I’m sure she and your dad are smiling down upon all of you.
Love,
Bob & Cathy Daley
Damian Shea
Mrs. Benoit was a very kind person. And apparently a great mother to mold Marty into a great man. I only met her a few times while I was in High School in the 1970’s, but she always glowed with a warm welcome, as if to say “if you are a friend of my son Martin, you are always welcome in my home”. I am thinking God also has said to her…”You are always welcome in my home”. How wonderful the world would be, if only we could all be more like her.