Ellen (Szupello) Benson-Thorstenson, 70 of Niagara Falls, NY entered into rest on Sunday July 26, 2009 surrounded by loved ones in Mt. St. Mary's Hospital in Lewiston, NY. Born in Niagara Falls, NY she was the daughter of the late Edwin H. and Angela M. (Cusimano) Szupello.

Ellen attended local schools in Niagara Falls and graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1956. Early on in her career, she worked as a secretary at the Good Year Tire & Rubber Co. in Niagara Falls. In 1963, Ellen moved to California where she owned and operated a porcelain doll business, a lifelong passion of hers, and also worked as secretary for Ray Watt Co. in Southern California. She returned to the Western New York area in the late 1980's and was employed a jewelry manager for Ames Department Store until her retirement. Ellen enjoyed cooking and sewing, but above all will be remembered as beautiful, vibrant woman who loved taking care of people, always putting others before herself.

Ellen is survived by her husband Arthur L. 'Pete' Thorstenson of Niagara Falls, NY, her children, Sileste (Bruce) Roy of Mansfield, TX, Deborah (Philip) Brown of Jamestown, NY and Barry (Betsy) Thorstenson of Ridgway, PA, her grandchildren, Jon (Heather) Stroud of Mansfield, TX, Zandria (Jason) Bouligny of Spangdahlem, Germany and Heather (Wilbur) Cronk of Jamestown, NY, her great-grandchildren, Skyler, Benjamin, Matthew, James, Jezzica and Gideon, her sister Edwina 'Winnie' (Bruce) Young of Wilson, NY and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was also predeceased by her late husband Harold Benson.

Friends may call on Tuesday July 28th from 3-7 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will follow at 7:00 p.m. If lieu of flowers, memorial offerings in Ellen's memory may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation Western New York Affiliate P.O. Box 237 Buffalo, NY 14231. Visit www.mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online guest register.