Obituary of Allison C. Bennett

SLINGERLANDS – Allison C. Bennett, 90, passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2014 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Albany, she was the proud descendent of Dutch, French and English colonial settlers in the area. She attended Oneonta State College and Mildred Elley Secretarial School. Allison married William D. Bennett in 1946 and together they raised three children. Allison has long been an active participant in community, civic, and church activities as well as in patriotic and historical associations. A feature writer, she has been a well-known speaker on historical subjects. For eight years, from 1966-74, Allison served as the Historian for the Town of Bethlehem. For 20 years Allison wrote historical articles for the Delmar Spotlight and published five books focusing on local history. Allison was a world traveler, interested in land conservancy, and active in many community organizations. She is a past president of the Friends of Schuyler Mansion, the Women's Auxiliary of the Albany Boys Club, and the Albany Women's Classical Union, Reformed Church in America. She had long been active in the Albany County Historical Association and was honored to be selected as a Trustee Emeritus. She has served on the boards of Friends of Olana, the Albany Boys Club, and the Bethlehem Historical Association. In both the First Bethlehem and Delmar Reformed Churches she has served as Elder and Deacon. She belongs to the Dutch Settlers Society, the Huguenot Society, the Delmar Progress Club and the Women's Council of the Albany Institute of History and Art. She is survived by her husband, William D. Bennett; son, Keith W. Bennett (Sue) of Delmar; daughters, Susan Scofield (Robert) of Kennedyville, MD and Mary Lou Terko of North Ferrisburgh, VT; four grandchildren; one great grandchild; and in-laws, Richard Bennett and Catherine Fisk. She was predeceased by brother, Donald Chesebro. A funeral service will be held 11 am Monday, October 6, 2014 at the Delmar Reformed Church, 386 Delaware Ave., Delmar. The family will receive visitors at the church beginning at 9:30 am. Those who wish may send a remembrance in her name to the Albany County Historical Society, 9 Ten Broeck Pl., Albany, NY 12209.