Jean Bennett, 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday April 17, 2022 at Alden Court Nursing Home with her family by her side. She was the daughter of the late Rudolph and Louise (Naegele) Blanchette and the sister of the late Geraldine Kisla. Pre-deceased by her grandson Nathaniel, she leaves her husband Arthur, her children Paul Bennett of Old Lyme, CT, Alan Bennett of Haverhill, MA, Elizabeth Bennett of Fairhaven, Katharine Bennett-Weber of New Bedford, and John Bennett of Fairhaven, as well as 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly and who loved her dearly in return.
Once Jean decided all her children had been tucked safely away into colleges and careers, she turned to the business world where she became a realtor specializing in historic homes. The same vitality, warmth, and honesty that made her a good mother made her successful in that role as well. It was not uncommon for former clients to become lifelong friends.
Jean loved her city. As a founding member of the Friends of Buttonwood Park, she dedicated herself for many years to revitalizing and enhancing the park’s treescape, gardens, and recreation areas. She served on the boards of Downtown New Bedford, Inc. and the Buzzards Bay Coalition, and was thrilled to be chosen 1996 Woman of the Year by the Standard-Times for her work alongside her husband in leading the successful eight-year effort that brought a National Park to the city’s Downtown Historic District.
Her family celebrates her rich, full life and asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her name to the Friends of Buttonwood Park, P.O. Box 2011, New Bedford 02741.
Her Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday April 25th at 11 AM at St. John Neumann Church, East Freetown. Visitation will be on Sunday April 24th from 3-6 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
Masks will be required to attend the services.