Elizabeth J. Benn, 50, of Cos Cob, formerly of Ridgefield, died Feb. 4 at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York after a long and brave battle with leukemia.
Ms. Benn was born in Danbury on Feb. 16, 1962, daughter of Robert C. and Gladys (Breckwoldt) Benn of Ridgefield. She graduated from Ridgefield High School in 1980 and received a bachelor of arts degree from Muhlenberg College in 1984 and a master’s degree from Boston College. She did further work at Columbia University, where she received a master’s degree in education.
An educator for the past 25 years, she was first employed with Greenwich Academy and at the time of her death had been with the Greenwich public school system for 18 years as a kindergarten teacher.
Ms. Benn was a member of the Congregational Church of Ridgefield and a member of the Connecticut Teachers’ Association.
In addition to her parents, Ms. Benn is survived by a brother, Robert C. Benn, and his wife, Laura, of Washington, Conn., and a sister, Nancy Smith, and her husband, Anthony, of Brookfield. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Maren Elizabeth Benn and Rob Benn of Washington, Douglas and Amanda Smith of Philadelphia, Pa., Jason Smith of New York City, and Christie Smith of Brookfield. She is survived by her aunt and uncle, William and Elsie Breckwoldt of Ramona, Calif., as well as many close friends and colleagues.
Her family said she had “an open heart to all who knew her” and valued her relationships with many families and students of the Old Greenwich school community.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 2 at 3:00 p.m. at the First Congregation Church, 108 Sound Beach Ave., Old Greenwich, CT. Contributions to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for Pediatric Oncology, 1275 York Ave., New York, NY 10065 would be appreciated.
Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah St., Ridgefield is in charge of arrangements.