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Nancy Helle

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A spark of joy left the world when Nancy Jane Schuleen Helle, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and dear friend to many, passed away on January 25, 2025. Surrounded by the love of her family, she died peacefully in her sleep, leaving a legacy of friendship, music, and caring. An eternal optimist, Nancy was known for her love of pink and red, high fashion, Broadway and Cole Porter music, and a clever turn of phrase. Born in 1933, in West Chester, PA, Nancy was the cherished daughter of Ernest “Red” Schuleen and Beulah “Ruth” Jones, and a devoted human to her wire-haired terrier Snips, whom she adored. Nancy grew up along the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County, PA, first in Holtwood, where she attended the two room schoolhouse built especially for employees of the Holtwood Dam where her father worked, then later in Safe Harbor, PA, where her father served as General Manager of the Safe Harbor Dam.

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Ingrid O’Reilly, 77

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October 2, 1947 – January 20, 2025

Ingrid Elaine O’Reilly (Jones), 77, passed away unexpectedly on January 20, 2025, surrounded by her three children. She was born on October 2, 1947 in New Canann, Connecticut. Ingrid was a strong woman of warmth and grace, whose kindness and infectious laughter touched the lives of everyone she met. Known for her engaging conversations, she often spoke with immense pride about her greatest accomplishment – her children and grandchildren. They were the center of her world, and she cherished every moment with them.

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David Stephen Benko, 70

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March 27, 1954 – March 21, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of David Stephen Benko, age 70, on March 21, 2025, after a long illness. Born and raised in New Canaan, Dave was a beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend, whose memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Predeceased by his parents, Stephen and Madeleine Benko, and his brother, Stephen (Sue), Dave is survived by his sister, Elaine (Mark), of Wilton; his sons, Stephen (Kim), David Jr. (Mary), and Ryan (Michelle); his stepdaughter, Emilie Kay, of Seattle; his grandchildren, Rose, Miles, and Mia to whom is was known as PaKo and Pop Pop; as well as eight nieces and nephews who he loved like his own. A proud New Canaan High School graduate, Dave was a standout three-sport athlete, earning the nickname “KO” for his legendary achievements in football, basketball, and baseball. In football, Dave was known for his hard-nosed style, he struck fear in the hearts of any reciever coming across the middle of the field.  In 1971 Dave set a record that still stands to this day—a remarkable 10 single-season interceptions.

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Les Sheppard, 84

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Leslie Davis Sheppard, 84, of New Canaan, CT, passed away on March 7, 2025, after a brief illness. Leslie (Les) was a global pioneer in direct marketing as the Chairman & CEO of Wunderman International in London, and as General Manager, Direct, UK for Ogilvy & Mather in the late 70’s and early 80’s. Upon returning from London, he continued his distinguished career in Boston, Naples, FL, Pasadena, Ca and New Canaan, CT focusing on direct marketing and consulting until his death. Les was born in East Orange, NJ, to the late Merrill Davis Sheppard and Dorothy Helen Richards on November 12, 1940. He grew up in Roselle Park and graduated from John Jay High School.

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Anne Sullivan Ward, 74

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Anne Sullivan Ward, 74, of New Canaan, CT, died peacefully on March 8 after a long illness. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Richard S. Ward; her two sons Daniel S. Ward and Andrew A. Ward; her two stepsons John S. Ward and Brian A. Ward; and 8 grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Louise S. Bagby of NJ and her brother Jack Sullivan of VA and two nephews. Anne was born in Glen Ridge, NJ, and graduated from the Glen Ridge School system in 1968. While she was at Glen Ridge High School, she spent a term in France as an American Field Service Exchange Student.