BLACKSTONE

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 9, 2023, while surrounded by the love and support of her family, Ann Marie Bennett peacefully transitioned from this earthly life to eternal life. She was 82 years old and the beloved wife of 33 years to Eugene Bennett.

Ann Marie was born in Exeter, NH and raised in Newburyport, MA, a daughter to Arthur and Julia (O'Connell) Gagne. She was a 1959 graduate of Immaculate Conception High School in Newburyport prior to studying at Shepard-Gill School of Practical Nursing of Mass General Hospital where she earned her LPN in 1961. Ann Marie was employed by Cushing Memorial Hospital in Framingham, MA and The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Mental Health retiring from Westborough State Hospital in 2003 after 32 years of service. After her retirement, Ann Marie worked part time as a charge nurse for the Coleman House in Northborough where she assisted in the care of Alzheimer and dementia patients.

Ann Marie enjoyed traveling, most especially to Halifax, Nova Scotia to visit with her brother and sister-in-law Michael and Judy. She looked forward to watching true crime documentaries, conquering word searches, shopping, tending to her gardens and bird watching. She was an avid Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan and a huge animal lover, especially cats. Above all, Ann Marie looked forward to spending time with her cherished family. She enjoyed cooking for them and sharing the holidays, most especially Thanksgiving and Christmas.

In addition to her husband Eugene, Ann Marie is survived by her three children, Rick Duprey and his wife Robin of Webster, Bridgette Duprey of Spencer, Ralph Duprey of Clinton; four grandchildren, Bridgette Bianchi of Florida, Christopher Francis and his wife Elizabeth of Texas, Marilyn Gelinas and her husband Evan of Blackstone, John Duprey of Marlborough and two great-grandchildren, Greyson Gelinas and Evelyn Francis. She also leaves one brother, John "Jack" Gagne and his wife Kathleen of Amesbury; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law Michael and Judy Kamer of Halifax, Nova Scotia and her niece and nephews, Peter, Paula, Gary and Greg. Ann Marie will also be missed by her lifelong friend, Linda Richardson of Newburyport.

Ann Marie's funeral service and burial will be private. There are no public calling hours. The Bennett family respectfully ask that memorial donations be made in her name to either the Broken Tail Rescue (www.brokentailrescue.org), where she adopted her precious cat Scooter, or to the American Lung Association (www.lung.org).

Arrangements are under the care of Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St, Northborough, MA 01532. To leave a condolence please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.