Maureen Lynch Bennett, 88, of Greenville, died peacefully on June 4, 2026. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late William J. Lynch and Mary (Tierney) Lynch. Maureen leaves behind her children, Cathleen Bennett and her partner Heather O’Brien of Anchorage, Alaska, Joseph Bennett and William Bennett both of Smithfield, Rhode Island.
Maureen graduated from Salve Regina College. She later obtained her Masters degree from Rhode Island College in Black American Literature.
Maureen dedicated her career to teaching in the public school system. She was a beloved high school English teacher, first at Ponaganset High for several years and then for many years at Smithfield High School.
Maureen was always a little ahead of the times. When she was young, the school officials decided she should skip ahead two grades. It was not easy to be significantly younger than her classmates in high school and college. Those experiences as a student informed her approach to teaching.
Over her career, she was especially gifted in working with students who were struggling. Using her love for teaching and her students, she combined patience, empathy, kindness and humor to empower them to succeed.
Right up to the end of her life, Maureen was a voracious reader and an avid sports fan, particularly of tennis and basketball. She loved animals and had a soft spot for elderly pets whom she’d adopt to give them a loving home. She was a devoted mother. She supported her three children as they chased their dreams through good times and challenging periods. She once was named Sports Mother of the Year by a local radio station because she never missed a basketball game or tennis match in which her kids were playing.
In addition to her children, Maureen leaves behind her grandchildren; Christopher Bennett, William Bennett, Gianna Golloto, Reilly Bennett and Meaghan Bennett; three great grandchildren; her nieces and cousins, and her extended chosen family. She was predeceased by her brother William Lynch and sister-in-law Rita (Gagnon) Lynch whom she thought of as a sister, and her grandson Joseph Bennett.
Maureen’s family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Stillwater Assisted Living And Skilled Nursing Community for the wonderful care she received from them.
Maureen followed current events and politics her entire life. Her wish for the world was that people follow the example of Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache – to be kind, honest, compassionate, thoughtful and tolerant.
Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday morning, June 9th at 10am in St. Philip Church, 622 Putnam Pike, Greenville. Burial will be private. Visitation Monday afternoon, June 8th from 4-7pm in the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Rt 44 at Greenville Common, Greenville.