Nel (Fleischhacker) Benett

HOBART, Tasmania, Australia — Nel Benett, 84, of 80 Autumn Drive, Tilton, passed away on January 14, 2008, after a short illness.

Born in Zurich, Switzerland, March 6, 1923, she was the daughter of Fritz and Carmela (nee Benetti) Gentsch. She attended school in Zurich where she also studied at the University.

For many years she was involved in the graphic arts field and also worked for the International Wool Secretariat throughout Europe.

In 1962 she moved to Tilton, and had been a local resident until her passing.

She was co-owner of The Anchorage on Lake Winnisquam resort and for many years was a managing partner in Texknit Machinery Ltd., in Lochmere.

Nel was very active in the local community over the years, and was involved in the Sanbornton Historical Society, The LRGH Auxillary, The Lochmere Community Beach Association, and was a founding member of the Belknap Mill Society. Over the years she hosted many Foreign Exchange Students from countries all over the world.

In 1982, she started to spend her winters in Hobart, Australia, where she also became active in its community as well as a member of the Australian-American Association, the Ionian Womens Club, and the Red Hatter’s Society.

She was also a generous supporter of many local charities in both the USA and Australia.

Nel Benett always had a great zest for life and never lost her curiosity for all that is new. She was very vivacious and touched everyone she met. She truly loved people and loved the company of others. Nel was a frequent and gracious hostess, and her culinary talents were widely known. Her Sunday brunches always made for lively discussions among friends.

Her dream of a Media Center in our area was fulfilled with the sale of part of her property to Bob Callahan who has developed the Granite Media Center at 100 Autumn Drive.

Her family were of utmost importance to her, and she stayed in touch with her far away children almost daily.

She will be greatly missed by daughter Gigi Greenberger (Fleischhacker) and her husband Peter, Truckee Calif.; sons Florian Duvoisin, Tilton; Alain Duvoisin, Zurich, Switzerland; Roland Fleischhacker of Koh Samui, Thailand; and Peter Fleischhacker and his wife Kate, Melbourne, Australia.

Nel was blessed with seven grandchildren, of whom she was very proud; Pascal, Tamara, Simone, Arisai, Roscoe, Nolan and Leah.

She will also be missed by her many friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date and the time and place will be announced.