Nancy Benton Obituary

Nancy B. Benton

Nancy Elizabeth (Bishop) Benton, died peacefully Friday, August 22, 2025, at her home under hospice care in the presence of her son Wayne, grandson Nick and wonderful caregiver Ruth. She lived 93 years and was able to live her last days at home with the help of live-in caregivers and family.

Nancy's life was committed to serving others, being a dedicated mother, grandmother and wife. She was very involved as a Cub Scout Den Mother and later a leader in the Madison 4-H Riding Club.

Nancy was born an identical twin to her sister, Pat, on November 11, 1931, in Meridan, CT. In her earlier years she grew up in the town of Stratford and spent time in the summer at the Mulberry Point beach in Guilford, CT. Her family later moved to live at Mulberry Point.

Nancy's grandfather was B.W. Bishop, founder of Bishop's Orchards. Her father, George, was the youngest of six and did not continue in the family farm. Nancy's existence might be due to the rebooking her maternal grandmother, Florence, made in 1912 to instead travel to the US from England on a sister ship to Titanic, the change due to an illness that developed with one of Ruby's sisters.

After high school, Nancy graduated from Business School and started her career at Flexible Tubing in Guilford. Nancy met her future husband, Elmer A. Benton, at a dance in New Haven, a dance that lasted 62 years. They were married in 1954.

Elmer's family founded Benton's Market in 1868, a local grocery, where Nancy also later worked until 1989, when the market was sold.

After retirement, Nancy and Elmer enjoyed the winter months at their townhome in Palm Desert, CA. They enjoyed the warmer weather, golf, and another circle of friends.

Her family, friends and church were the center of Nancy's life. Many Holidays were celebrated at Nancy's home, where her mom, sister and sister-in-law collaborated in the kitchen making yummy meals. She was a long-time member of the North Guilford Congregational Church, where more recently she enjoyed serving on the Mission Committee. She began hosting some committee meetings at her home when it became too difficult for her to get out. Nancy enjoyed reading and loved to play cards.

She is predeceased by her parents, George and Ruby (Bishop) Bishop; husband, Elmer A. Benton; daughter, Susan Benton; brother, James Bishop; and sister, Patricia Pegg.

Nancy is survived by her sons Andrew II (Susan) and Wayne plus three grandchildren - Andrew III, John and Nicholas, and many cherished nephews and nieces.

There will be a memorial service to be held in the spring 2026.

Memorials to North Guilford Congregational Church or Guilford Meals On Wheels.