Shirley G. Benson

September 22, 1935 - September 22, 2015

Shirley G. Benson, 80, of East Street, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning at Berkshire Place in Pittsfield with her sister, Linda, by her side. Born in Pittsfield on September 17, 1935, the daughter of Elmer and Mabel Griffin, she was raised in Lee and was a 1953 graduate of Lee High School and a 1956 graduate of the Henry W. Bishop III Memorial School of Nursing. A Registered Nurse, Shirley held several positions at Berkshire Medical Center, was Director of Nursing at the former Valley View Nursing Home in Lenox, and at Kimball Farms Nursing Care Center. She was a long time devoted member of the Church on the Hill in Lenox where she held many offices. She was a past member of the Lenox Board of Health, was on the Board of Directors of the Lenox Community Center and a TRIAD member. She volunteered with numerous organizations throughout the years which brought her great joy. She was a supporter and fan of local youth sports including Tri-Town Youth Hockey and the Special Olympics. Shirley was a passionate Red Sox fan, an animal lover and enjoyed traveling with friends. She loved spending her summers on Cape Cod with her North Truro family and friends. She married Bruce Benson in 1957, who predeceased her in July of 2000. She is survived by her son, David B. Benson of Lenox; her daughter, Laurie B. Irwin and husband William, of Amesbury; and her two beloved grandchildren, Sarah and Matthew Irwin. Also is surviving is her sister, Linda Newton Renner of Lee and she was predeceased by her brother Larry Griffin of Lee. Shirley leaves two sisters-in-law, Sally Griffin of Lee and Gloria Benson of Rochester NY; and sister Joan Wood and a brother, Jerry Sawyer of Great Barrington; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. FUNERAL NOTICE: The funeral service will be conducted Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015 at 11a.m. at Church on the Hill. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Lenox. Calling hours at ROCHE FUNERAL HOME will be Friday evening from 4 to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers donations in Shirley's memory may be made to LUNGSTRONG in support of Pan Mass Challenge Riders, or the Church on the Hill Outreach Fund, both in care of the funeral home, 120 Main Street, Lenox, MA 01240.