Carol E. Benway

Carol E. (Lindblad) Benway, 76, of Tolland, CT passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 7, 2025 surrounded by family and friends, as well as her long-time faithful companion dog, Nugget. Carol was born on February 8, 1949 in Manhattan, New York, daughter of the late Herbert and Elizabeth (Kisely) Lindblad. She and her late husband, Del, were married in 1968. For many years, Carol worked as a lab supervisor at the Rockville Hospital in Connecticut. Carol and Del loved to travel and, along with her parents, were fortunate to see much of what his world has to offer, including Germany, Ireland, Greece, England, Alaska, Hawaii, and many other states here in this country. Her life-long passion centered around both family and animals, but it was her love of dogs and her dream of someday having a boarding kennel that served as the inspiration to build, establish, and operate the Hidden Acres Kennel in Tolland. Along the way, both Carol and Del served as dog wardens in Willington in the 1970’s. Carol’s love for all animals began at an early age and she could usually be found with cats, dogs, horses and even a random chicken that came with the house they were renting. A longtime member of the Siberian Husky Club of America and the Nathan Hale Obedience Club, Carol also worked with the Guiding Eyes organization helping to train puppies that would ultimately become seeing eye dogs. Falling in love with the Siberian Husky breed, she went on to raise and show Siberians for over 50 years in the disciplines of Confirmation, Obedience and Agility with her dogs winning many titles. One of her Siberians competed in the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City. Carol’s knowledge and expertise regarding dogs was well known and respected, and she worked tirelessly to help rescue Siberians. She was the “one to call” by local Animal Control Officers when they would have a Siberian come into the shelter. Carol is survived by her daughter, Pennie Hodges; grandson, Ryan Hodges; three siblings, Paul Lindblad and his wife Susan of Plaistow New Hampshire, Betty Appleby and her husband Jim of Springvale Maine, and William Lindblad and his wife Linda of Bangor, Maine, as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Carol was predeceased by her husband, Delzel E. Benway; and her son-in-law, Kevin Hodges. Services and burial information will be provided by the family at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the Best Friends Animal Society at bestfriends.org or to the American Lung Association at lung.org. Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., Stafford Springs, CT has care of the arrangements. To leave a message of sympathy for her family, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com