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FAIRFIELD, Conn. Jennie Benway, a longtime Fairfield resident, died Oct. 2 in Fairfield. She was 96.
Born May 3, 1916, in Bridgeport, she was the daughter of Michael and Bertha Idranyi Jonucz. She grew up in Fairfield and graduated from Roger Ludlowe High School in 1934. Benway attended Butler Business School and worked as a secretary at Fairfield Lumber Company for several years.
She eloped with John Holland Benway in Manassas, Va., on Jan. 3, 1939. They then settled in Fairfield to raise their family. The family painting business, A.J. Benway Co. Inc., was the center of their lives. In her later years, Benway enjoyed spending winters at their home at Leisure Gardens in Pompano Beach, Fla.
An avid reader, she enjoyed knitting sweaters, sewing projects, cooking and watching sports, especially golf, the New York Mets, New York Knicks and University of Connecticut basketball.
Benway is survived by three children, Joan Hellgren, Bruce (Elsa) Benway Sr. and Alan (Karen) Benway; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her husband, John, in 1989; and two brothers, Michael Jonucz and Frank (Fred) Jonucz.
Visitation is from 10-11 a.m. Friday at Spear-Miller Funeral Home in Fairfield, where a memorial service will immediately follow. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a favorite charity.
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