Jean Marjorie Benson

AUBURN – Jean Marjorie Benson went to be with the Lord Saturday, July 6, 2024 while at The Hospice House of Auburn, after a six-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born Oct. 2, 1934 at her family homestead in Poland, Jean was the daughter of Millard and Stella (Somerset) Lane. When not attending the one room schoolhouse on Harris Hill Road she helped her father with their dairy farm. Jean graduated from Mechanic Falls High School in 1952, before attending Nasson College in Springvale, graduating with an associates degree in secretarial work.

On July 6, 1954, Jean married her high school sweetheart, Theodore “Ted” Benson who was then serving in the U.S. Air Force. Once Ted’s service was completed, they returned to Poland, settling into the home they would share for over 40 years.

Jean held several secretarial positions throughout her life, but devoted herself to caring for their four children, while volunteering as “Den Mother” to the many cub scouts who came into their home.

Jean was a lifelong member of Excelsior Grange #5, starting at the age of 4 as a Junior Granger, and serving as treasurer for many years, and participating in many Grange dramas. She was also a longtime member of Pleasant Street Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School.

Jean enjoyed reading, crafting, gardening, and feeding crows.

She also loved her many cats. Jean leaves behind many friends and acquaintances who would say, “to know Jean is to love Jean”.

She will be dearly missed by her surviving family which includes her children Scott Benson and his wife Shawntiki, Cynthia Wardwell and her husband George, Steven Benson and his wife, Lisa, all of Poland, and Karen Shealy of Lexington, S.C.; 17 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; three cousins; and a sister-in-law.

Jean was predeceased by her husband, Ted; sister, Barbara Driscoll; and son-in-law, Ben Shealy.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 15 at 12 p.m. at Chandler Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 26 Dwinal St., Mechanic Falls. A time of visitation will be 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., prior to the service. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Mechanic Falls. All in attendance may join the family at Maple Lane Farm, 21 Maple Lane in Poland for refreshments and reminiscing.

To share memories and condolences with her family visit http://www.chandlerfunerals.com

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make donations to

Responsible Pet Care,

P.O. Box 82,

Norway, ME 04268