Mrs. Eirene Benson

Born Eirene Hobson, a child of the rectory, in Birr, Co. Offaly on May 7, 1915, she was the eldest of three children. When she was six years old, the family moved to Cork when her father was appointed Headmaster of Cork Grammar School and her mother appointed Principal of the Girls' High School. It was here that she received her early education before going, at the age of 13, to board in Alexandra College in Dublin. On the completion of her secondary education she went to Trinity College, Dublin to study mathematics, graduating in 1937.

Then it was back to Alexandra College to teach in the mathematics department and to settle in to an active and involved teaching career. It was during this time that she met and married the Rev. Terence Benson on June 6, 1943. Their early married years brought a number of moves for the family - from parish life in Corbally, Roscrea (1942 to 1944) to Templeharry (1944 to 1946). During this time in parish life they were blessed with the birth of a daughter and son.

In 1946 Terence was appointed Headmaster of Killaloe Diocesan School with parish responsibilities, but after six years they were back in Cork. In 1956 Terence was appointed to the staff of Portora Royal School, Enniskillen and a year later Rene joined him to begin teaching in the mathematics department. Here she remained for 21 years until she retired in 1978 as Head of Department.

The funeral service was held in St. Macartin's Cathedral, Enniskillen on Monday, May 31, 2010 and was conducted by the Rev. Betty Thompson. The committal took place in Boho Parish Churchyard.

The address was prepared by a former colleague of Mrs. Benson, Canon D. Kingston, and in his unavoidable absence was read by R.H. Northridge, Deputy Headmaster of Portora Royal School. In his address Canon Kingston gave an outline of Eirene's life and also of her many talents - not only was she an excellent mathematician but also a lady of many skills and interests. She loved the theatre and during her years at Portora took an active interest in school drama, producing two Gilbert and Sullivan musicals, "The Pirates of Penzance" and "HMS Pinafore." A talented artist and musician, her two magnificent watercolours of the old and new Portora gates are a lasting testimony to her skill. She never wasted a moment in any day and could turn her hand to any task in the household. She would never miss choral events, enjoyed the theatre and was an excellent bridge player. She had a wonderful interest in people, loved her pupils, had a great memory and enjoyed socialising.

Canon Kingston also talked about her great faith and strong principles - she was deeply spiritual, got great comfort from the scriptures, loved her church and the spiritual sustenance of the sacrament.

Mr. Northridge, also a former colleague, paid tribute to Mrs. Benson and in his appreciation reminisced about her time in Portora, her characteristics and how she was much loved by all who knew her. The hymns were: "What a friend we have in Jesus" and the Portora hymn "Abide with me." The psalm was "The Lord's my Shepherd" - all chosen by Mrs. Benson herself. The organist for the service was W.J. McBride.

Mrs. Benson is survived by her daughter Joyce and son-in-law Ernie; by her son Mark and daughter-in-law Ava; by her grandchildren Hazel, Eleanor, Julian and Adrian and by her sister-in-law Elisabeth Ferguson.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by W. T. Morrison, funeral directors, Darling Street, Enniskillen.