Regina L. Benson

December 20, 1919 ~ January 25, 2025
Born in:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Resided in:
McLean, Virginia
Regina L. Benson of McLean, Virginia, died peacefully on Saturday, January 25, 2025. She was
born in 1919 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, one of nine children of Michele and Filomina
Libetti. After graduating from high school and St. Mary’s School of Nursing (where she was
class president), she enlisted in the Army Nursing Corps along with two classmates who would
become lifelong friends. Her service in World War II took her to Hawaii, Okinawa, Hiroshima,
Kobe and Kyoto. She believed in patriotism and service to her country and to others. For
Regina, the most meaningful part of her Army nursing career was offering comfort to dying
soldiers, ensuring they were not alone in their final moments.
She met her future husband, William R. Benson, while both were stationed in Hawaii. After the
war, she was anxious to return home and get on with her life. Reggie and Bill were married and
settled in Wyckoff, New Jersey, where they raised their three children and were deeply involved
in community affairs, including in her case Wyckoff Women’s Club, Meals on Wheels, election
officer, rosary leader at a nursing home and Church of the Nativity. Also, she was a hospital
surgical nurse before her children were born and later returned to work on the oncology floor at
St. Joseph Hospital.
At age 95 Regina moved to McLean to live with her daughter and became active in American
Legion Post 270 and an active member of Our Lady of Good Counsel and later of St. John the
Beloved. In her later years, as a representative of the “Greatest Generation” who served in
World War II, she received numerous awards and participated in wreath layings at the National
World War II Memorial and in the National Veterans Parade, was honored by the Chairman of
the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the Military Women’s Memorial, the PBS National Memorial Day
Concert and the Armed Services YMCA.
Regina enjoyed playing tennis, bridge (until she was 104), knitting (including for church
fundraisers and the CBs), travel, mini-golf and rooting for the Yankees. She was always curious
and had a sharp wit.
She is survived by her sons, Roger (and wife Becky) of Wyckoff, New Jersey and Jay (and wife
Dale) of Brookfield, Vermont; daughter, Phyllis of McLean, Virginia; grandchildren, Meredith,
Amanda, Randy and Tim; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass for Mrs. Benson will be held in the chapel at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic
Church, 8601 Wolftrap Road, Vienna, Virginia on Monday, February 24, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. to
which all are welcome. Internment will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In
lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mrs. Benson to St. Jude’s Children’s Research
Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 https://www.stjude.org/
or Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ would be appreciated by the family.
Services
Mass of Christian Burial : February 24, 2025 11:00 am
Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church
8601 Wolftrap Rd.
Vienna , VA 22182
703-938-7440
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ReginaL. BensonMass of Christian Burial
Mass of Christian Burial
8601 Wolftrap Rd.,Vienna , VA 22182
Cemetery:
Arlington National Cemetery at a later date
1 Memorial Drive
Arlington , VA 22211
703-938-7440
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ReginaL. BensonCemetery
Cemetery
1 Memorial Drive,Arlington , VA 22211
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ReginaL. Benson
We’re so saddened to hear of your loss. Please be comforted that your Mom lived a full, meaningful life. God’s blessings to you.
Love and hugs, Lisa and Bill
Please know that our hearts go out to you during this difficult time. Mother’s provide precious grounding and unparalleled love for their children. Knowing you both for so many years reinforces my belief that your Mother lives on in you and your girls. May the Lord welcome her into his garden and surround her with His love. May you feel the love and comfort of our Lord as you grieve.
Blessings from, Sandy & Bill
Thinking about your family as you grieve this loss. A life well lived, and enjoyed, which is a blessing and a wonderful example to her granddaughters.
Sincerely, David and Jane Hug
Becky & Roger, Jay & Dale, and Phyllis,
What an honor to have known Reggie (Regina) Benson! She was one of the neighborhood moms growing up on Lincoln Avenue. Who knew she was a World War II hero the same as any of the brave service people that fought for our freedom and our country. It was an honor to know her.
We, as boomers, have little thought of the thankless sacrifices made for us by our parent’s generation. And to hear she continued her service is so admirable! I’m sorry I never thanked her for her service.
Her death is indeed a loss for the Benson family but it is a loss for all of us too.
We pray God will give Regina the crown she so dearly deserves!
Pat and Juan Mercado (and Family)
105. Wow. You really outdid them all. I will miss you and our now and then earthly conversations Your Godson. Mike B
It was such a honor to have met you! Rest in peace dear Reggie..
Renato and Gladys Scozia
Regina’s presence brightened our days, and her memory will forever remain in our hearts. On behalf of the Greenbrier family and our entire staff, we extend our deepest condolences to her daughter, Phyllis, and all her loved ones. We are truly sorry for your loss, and we will miss Regina dearly.
May her legacy of laughter and love continue to inspire those who knew her. Rest in peace, Regina. You will always be remembered.
With heartfelt sympathy,
The Greenbrier Assisted Living Family