Maria Teresa Benson, dedicated volunteer
Maria Teresa Petrucci Benson died peacefully Tuesday, May 7, 2019. She was born March 21, 1923, in Rome, Italy, beloved daughter of Agnes Fontaine and Genaro Petrucci. Maria married Capt. Herbert E. Benson USAF, Dec. 11, 1946, in Rome.
Soon after, they moved to the United States, living first in Michigan, where Herbert was hospitalized for illness related to his service in World War II. They then lived briefly in Pennsylvania before moving to College Park, Md., where they raised their family. She worked for some time at Doctor's Hospital as a laboratory technician. She volunteered for The American Red Cross for many years.
After the death of her husband, Maria moved to the Foggy Bottom area of Washington, D.C., where she volunteered for The Kennedy Center Opera House for many years, providing expert translation services for the Italian opera directors and singers. Maria moved to Rehoboth Beach in 2002, and lived the last eight years at Brandywine Assisted Living.
Maria was predeceased by her parents, Genaro Petrucci and Agnes Fontaine; her husband Herbert E. Benson; and a grandson Luke Austin Benson. She is survived by her daughter, Taimi V. Anderson of College Park; her son, Bruce O. Benson (wife Isabel Benson) of Rehoboth Beach; grandchildren Bruno Anderson (wife Rachel Schneller) of Dubai, UAE, Gina Anderson of Lewisburg, W.Va., Leah Benson of Lewes, Colin Benson of Rehoboth Beach, Adam Benson (wife Amanda Benson) of Long Beach, Calif.; great-grandchildren Atlan Crossman, Amelia Crossman, Giada Lang, Levi Crossman and Enzo Anderson; and brothers Filippo Petrucci (wife Wanda Petrucci) and Michele Petrucci (wife Gabriella Petrucci) all of Rome, Italy.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Edmond Catholic Church, 409 King Charles Ave., Rehoboth Beach Monday, June 3, at 11 a.m. Visitation in the church at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, 100 West 10th St., Wilmington, DE 19801, Suite 401.
Interment will be private.
