Mary Chester

Mary Benzinger Chester, 91, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2022 at Newington Rapid Recovery Center. Mary had a long year of illness, succumbing to metastatic pancreatic cancer. Mary was born on June 4, 1931 to the late Edward and Mae (Kerr) Benzinger of New Dorp, Staten Island. Mary graduated from New Dorp High School and went on to work for the Phone Company in Manhattan, NY. She met Ralph E. Chester, III while out in the city. Ralph was a U.S. Navy Petty Officer on leave in NY city. They married and eventually bought a home in New Britain in 1955. They raised 4 children in New Britain.

Mary was a vivacious, energetic woman. After raising her children, she became involved with many volunteer activities: Feeding feral cats, working at the Red Cross blood drives and donating blood and plasma, BINGO and community activities with the local Veterans of Foreign Wars. She worked at the polls on Election days. She loved to be outside, visit museums, read, play cards, watch old movies and attend the New Britain Senior Center.

Mary lost her husband of 50 years, Ralph E. Chester, III, in 2003.

A devoted mother, Mary leaves her loving children: Warren Chester and Lisa Baron of Storrs, CT. MaryJane Kenley and Roger K. Young of Branford, CT. Paul and Marita (Reardon) Chester of Falmouth, MA. James and Mary (Costello) Chester of Mt. Holly, VT. Mary adored her grandsons who always made her laugh: Jay Koloseus of Des Moines, IA., Bryce and Patrick Koloseus, both of Branford, CT.

Mary remained close to her former son-in-law, James Koloseus of Branford, CT. She leaves granddaughters Rebecca and Caitlin Chester.

Mary was predeceased by her oldest brother-Edward Benzinger. She will be missed by her sisters:

Ginny (Tony) DiMaggio and Barbara Zimmer, both of Staten Island, NY., and brother Joe (Libby) Benzinger of Newburgh, NY. She will be remembered by many nieces and nephews

Mary’s children want to thank Mary’s friends: Maryann and Bob Kissell, Charlie Dobson and Gail Kuzia, all of New Britain. You all made Mom’s life much happier and much richer. We also thank staff at Newington Rapid Recovery Center for excellent and loving care, and the Masonicare Hospice staff who made her feel special and loved. Everyone treated her like she was family.

By Mary Chester’s request, there are no services. Donations in Mary Chester’s name can be made to: Masonicare Hospice Services, 22 Masonic Ave., Wallingford, CT 06492 or a charity of choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NewBritainSagarino.com for the CHESTER family.