Jeanne M. Benoit

Marie Jeanne Benoit (Mercier) passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, at the age of 88. Born on August 1, 1937, in Southbridge, Massachusetts, to Henri Joseph Mercier and Rose Belle (Gagnon), she was the youngest of seven children. She was preceded in death by her siblings Irene, Doris, Henry, Rita, Therese “Terry,” and Cecile, as well as her son, Brian Robert Benoit, in 2000, and her great-granddaughter, Janessa Marie Jimenez, in 2009.

Jeanne married Robert George Roger Benoit on August 18, 1956, at Sacred Heart Church in Southbridge. Together they shared 55 years of marriage until his passing in 2011. She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Ann McManus of Charlton, Massachusetts; her daughter-in-law, Doreen Ann Benoit of Southbridge; her grandchildren, Malory Marie Jimenez (Benoit) and her husband Jonathan Jimenez of Templeton, Andrew Robert Benoit of Southbridge, and Heather Jean McManus; and her great-grandchildren, Jayden and Jordan Jimenez.

Jeanne attended Catholic school in Southbridge and worked for many years at Providence House. She later provided compassionate care as a private PCA to numerous patients in the community. Her greatest joy came from caring for her grandchildren. She cherished daily walks around town with her husband, Sunday drives, dining out, and spending time at Old Orchard Beach, Maine. She will be remembered for her tough exterior and deeply caring heart, for offering words of wisdom whether they were welcomed or not, and for the many memories she deliberately created with those she loved. Those who knew her will never enjoy a meal at Bill’s Pizza with pier fries in OOB, a Shirley Temple film, or a Josh Groban song without thinking of her. Through life’s moments she often reminded others, “c’est la vie.”

She will be deeply missed and remembered always.