Vonceil Benge

Thomaston - Vonceil (Bailey) Benge, better known as Vickie, Mom, Gram, Meems and Memaw by those who loved and cherished her, died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. As she enjoyed reminding everyone, she was 95 years old.

Originally from Turney, Texas, she made her life surrounded by her family in Louisiana, Arizona and Connecticut, where she spent her final years. Sassy, Southern charm coupled with Irish feistiness made for a wicked sense of humor camouflaged behind a head full of strawberry blonde hair that complimented ice blue eyes full of warmth.

She steadfastly believed in education and through this and hard work, turned an entry level position with the US Treasury Department into a career as a Senior Auditor with the Internal Revenue Service, and had a sharp understanding of numbers and the ever changing tax code. Known well for her many questions, she proved to be a champion for the little guy and the small business owner and the worst nightmare of a large corporation or anyone trying to cheat the system. Her integrity was as unmatched as her compassion. Her career was a source of pride and an unusual one for a woman at the time, but she was a survivor who pulled herself up and proved that a woman could be and do anything. She was a champion of women’s rights and taught her daughter and granddaughters to aim high in the world and believe in their worth. She taught her son and grandsons to be good men with great values. She was and will always be a guiding light in her family and leaves a legacy of unconditional love.

Beyond her career, her children and grandchildren were her entire world. Any given conversation would be filled with the pride that she carried for her family. She was over the moon to be a great grandmother, then a great-great grandmother and reminded us regularly that not everyone gets such a privilege. In her spare time, she was an avid reader, loved music and followed politics and current events closely. She was a lifelong Democrat and passionate about fundamental human rights. Conversations often included both debate and fiery humor resulting
in infectious laughter. She had a strong sense of right and wrong and couth and uncouth – a word saved for actions she felt ill-mannered. She loved animals. She believed in humanity. And she was loved by everyone who knew her.

Vickie is survived by her two children, Debra C. Young of Thomaston, CT and Kenneth S. Champagne and his spouse Lisa Champagne of Fountain Hills, AZ.; three grandchildren, Gary J. Young, Jr. (predeceased), Tammy Young Poppel and her spouse, Randy Poppel, of Meriden, CT and Tyler Champagne of Fountain Hills, AZ; three great-grandchildren, Keith A. Young and his spouse, Shyan Young of Torrington, CT, Thomas J. Young of Thomaston, CT and Alexander W. Young and his spouse,
Stephanie Young of Plymouth, CT and two great-great-grandchildren, Nolan Young and Rory Young. She is predeceased by three siblings, Temple Bailey, Kenneth Bailey and Betty Mae Washburn.

A funeral service will be held to honor the life of this extraordinary woman on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. Lyons Funeral Home at 46 High Street in Thomaston, friends may visit with the family starting at 12:30 P.M.