Carol L. Benton, family matriarch
Carol L. Benton, 79, affectionately known as Kelly, passed away peacefully Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Lewes. Born Oct. 2, 1944, in Monessen, Pa., Kelly was a beacon of love and laughter, touching the lives of all who knew her.
Kelly's life was a testament to her unwavering devotion to her family. She was the beloved wife of Bruce Benton, her partner in life for 58 years, the cherished mother of Shannon Benton and her husband Tom Flatt of Alexandria, Va., and Erin Maggio and her husband Greg Maggio of College Park, Md., and beloved sister of Lynn Kiley of San Fransisco, Calif. Kelly's role as the matriarch of her family was her greatest joy, and she took immense pride in raising her two daughters and creating a warm and inviting home.
Her career was as varied and rich as her interests. Kelly worked as a medical assistant in various specialties, including urology and radiology in Philadelphia, Pa., and at Charleroi Medical Center. She also served as an executive assistant and innkeeper at Corner Cupboard Inn in Rehoboth Beach from 1983-87. Later, she continued her medical assistant career at Michelle Mangum's neurologist office in Lewes until 2001.
Kelly's passions extended beyond her professional life. She was an avid reader, and a lover of travel, with a particular fondness for the Caribbean and wintering in Key West, Fla. Her friends knew her as a great listener and a loyal companion. Kelly's loving, funny, and friendly nature will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Her light and spirit will continue to shine in the memories of her family and friends. Kelly's life was a beautiful tapestry of love, laughter, and friendship, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Bay Crossing neighborhood for their love and support over the years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 27, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where friends may visit beginning at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kelly’s name to Brandywine Valley SPCA, bvspca.org; or Make-A-Wish, wish.org.
Visit Kelly’s Life Memorial at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
