Rose-Marie Irene (Benoit) Bennett passed away on October 21 at the age of 82, surrounded by members of her large and loving family. Rose was a proud daughter of Rhode Island. She grew up in North Providence and graduated from St. Jean De Baptiste Academy in Pawtucket. She went on to complete her associate’s degree at Fisher Junior College while raising her 13 children.
What Rose enjoyed most about life was spending time with family and friends, and she had an abundance of both. She loved hosting large and lively dinners on Sunday – a tradition inspired by her mother, Irene. You didn’t have to call ahead or even be invited – in Rose’s home, all were welcome, always. Rose could often be found bragging about her children and grandchildren. Whether you earned good grades, got a base hit or landed a new job – she rooted for you, celebrated your wins, and told the world about it (which earned her the nickname "Nosey Rosey"). She never quite figured out the purpose of the comment section on social media, though, using it instead as a public bulletin board to share unrelated news, summon a visit from her grandchildren, or ask someone to run an errand.
Rose was a strong, loyal and caring woman who didn’t allow life’s challenges to change her positive outlook or generosity and compassion toward others. Her commitment to supporting the people she loved was unconditional. She was known by many as "Ma Bennett" – regardless of how long you had known her or whether you were technically related. Her superpower was seeing the best in people in the worst of circumstances. Her home was often a safe haven for those who had nowhere else to go.
Rose was not only the center of our family, she was also the center of the community she loved and the thread that pulled together people from all walks of life. So many people were drawn to her because she made everyone feel like family. She enjoyed baking with her grandchildren and then bringing the treats to her co-workers and neighbors. She loved making arts and crafts projects to share at Christmastime and crocheting blankets with her friends whenever a new baby arrived. She never missed a gathering with friends and family or the chance to do the chicken dance. If she wasn’t attending a party, she was planning one. Rose loved music from her heyday and played it constantly, which is why her children are well versed in Barry Manilow, Frank Sinatra, and Tony Bennett. She was an avid reader. She was always the first to read the New York Times bestsellers, and no one enjoyed a good mystery more than Rose.
Rose was proud to work for the City of Central Falls during the Lazieh administration. She cared about the city and had a vested interest in its success. She also believed in its people and had great hope for its future. Until retirement, she worked for Blackstone Valley Community Healthcare.
Rose is survived by her children: Gail Wilding of Central Falls, David Bennett of Smithfield, Debra (and Dave) Mal of Pawtucket, Richard (and Gail) Bennett of Bradenton, FL, Kevin (and Anita) Bennett of Pawtucket, Jodi (and Andrew) Seth of McLean, VA, Kelly Lavoie of Hollywood, FL, Pamela Lopes of Pawtucket, her brother Robert (and Donna) Benoit of North Providence, 27 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and one beloved chihuahua named Harry. She was preceded in death by her parents, the late Eugene and Irene (Proulx) Benoit, and her children Donald Bennett, Donna Romero, Rose Lewis, Keith Bennett, and Robert Bennett.
A celebration of Rose’s life will be held at Keefe Funeral Home in Lincoln, RI, on Tuesday, October 26 from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m.