Hope Benn

WESTERLY - Hope Benn 91 years old of Westerly RI has passed away on January 19, 2025. She was born in Westerly, daughter of Thomas Whitehead and Lillian Snell April 6, 1934. Hope suffered with a deteriorating brain condition that progressively damaged her abilities for the past 10 years.

Hope was born in Westerly and attended Westerly High School where she developed her love of music. She continued her scholastic education at the University of RI and Johnson and Wales Business School.

Hope was an avid supporter of the Westerly Community Band since 1980. The Westerly band was running out of participants so Hope started classes to bring people into the band that had played or wanted to learn new instruments. Hope, with the help of other instrumentalists, helped rebuild the band so it continues to this day. She loved the band and the community very much. She played a variety of instruments bells, saxophone, clarinet, piano, trombone, baritone, and tuba. She was a member of various Jazz bands, marching, and concert bands. She greatly enjoyed playing in unique concerts such as the Tuba Concert and gigs with the Jazz/Swing band ROMPS.

Hope would always manage to say even when she could hardly say anything else, that she loved her boys. She will be missed greatly them and by all of her extended loving family.

Hope was a loving mother to David & (Janine), Edward & (Danute), and Jeff & (Ashley), grandchildren Kimberly, David, Stephanie, Julie, Mike, and Hayley.

She also leaves many other family members, relatives, and friends that will greatly miss her.

She was predeceased by Erastus Benn, and her son Andrew Benn.

Hope loved the town of Westerly. She happily worked with Friendly's Ice Cream for over 30 years retiring over 20 years ago. She had made so many friends that people would still stop and talk to her to this day. It would always bring her happiness even though she could not directly remember their names, she knew she should, and it would bring a bright big smile to her face. We thank you for stopping to chat.

Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday January 29 at the Dunns Corners Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at River Bend Cemetery.

For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com