Bengtson, Benson, Griffith: Recent Death Notices From South Windsor

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — Here are some recent death notices from South Windsor.

Colleen (Kelly) Bengtson, 70, of Ellington, loving wife of 45 years to William L. Bengtson, passed away suddenly at her home on June 15, 2025. Colleen was a graduate of South Windsor High School, Class of 1973. She was employed with Travelers Insurance for over 40 years in their I.T. Department, where she found great joy in both her work and her colleagues. She retired within the last three years, embracing a quieter life surrounded by the things and people she loved most.A collector of all things beautiful, Colleen especially loved nature. She was the green thumb of the family, with a particular passion for flowers and plants. In her retirement, she found peace in tending to her stunning outdoor gardens, which became a personal sanctuary. She also had a soft spot for animals, lovingly caring for her dogs and cats throughout the years and even feeding strays that found their way to her yard.

Linda (Phillips) Benson, 83, beloved wife of the late R. Franklin Benson, passed away on May 26, 2025, while resting comfortably at home. After being valedictorian of her class at Williamson (WV) High School, she attended West Virginia University, where she met her husband, Frank, and completed her bachelor's degree in math in 1963. After raising her only child, she went back to school and began her first career, as a computer programmer, working at various software companies in the Boston area for several years, where she developed many lasting friendships. Later in life, she and Frank moved to El Cerrito, CA for 21 years, until retirement, at which point they moved to South Windsor to be closer to their grandchildren.

Gail (Strumski) Griffith, 72, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025. She was married for 52 years to her beloved husband, Phillip. Gail worked for four decades as a speech language pathologist, including 38 years at the Community Child Guidance Clinic in Manchester. Her work was never just a job — it was a true calling, as she helped countless kids find their voice, build confidence, and reach their full potential. A devout Catholic, Gail served as a eucharistic minister at St. Margaret Mary Church in South Windsor, where she also volunteered for the parish’s St. Vincent de Paul Society. She spent countless hours coordinating donations and deliveries for St. Vincent de Paul – a role that she joyfully continued to serve until her final weeks.