M. Eleanor Bennison

Bennison-M. Eleanor, 93, long-time resident of Orleans, MA and Wellesley, MA, recently of Boston, passed away peacefully on July 14. While raising her family in Wellesley, Eleanor was active in the League of Women Voters, and was acting director for 11 years of an urban renewal project in Newton, MA, working closely with the mayor. After moving to Orleans she developed a strong commitment to serving her community. She was administrative assistant to the Board of Selectman for 7 years, served on the Orleans Finance Committee, and in 1987 was elected Selectman, serving for 2 years. When she stepped down from the five person board, The Cape Codder described Eleanor as having a calming influence on her colleagues and providing the ingredients necessary for the board to operate effectively and with minimum rancor. She was honored as one of the longest serving members of the Business and Professional Womens organization, remaining active for 32 years. Outgoing, friendly, and always upbeat, Eleanor enjoyed traveling with her late husband, David, her beloved bridge games, and the company and love of her friends and family. Loving mother of Ray Bennison and his wife Marianne of Newton, PA, Carol Hartman and her husband Sol of Boston, MA, and Barbara Bennison of Boston, MA. Cherished grandmother to Marci Reed and her husband Tim of Holliston, MA, Susan of Ashland, MA, James of Holliston, Ma, Noah and Drew of Newton, PA, Mark Hartman of New York City, and Jeremy Hartman and his wife Nicole of New York City. Great-grandmother to Tristan Hartman of New York City. Eleanor was pre-deceased by her brother, Jack DeVries, of Dover, NJ. Eleanor recently celebrated her 93rd birthday surrounded by many members of her loving family. A memorial service will be held at Nickerson Funeral Home, 77 Eldredge Park Way, Orleans, MA on Saturday, July 23 at 1PM. In lieu of flowers, it was Eleanors wish that donations be made to the Orleans Rescue Squad or the Orleans Council on Aging. For online condolences please visit us at www.nickersonfunerals.com.