COURTESY
CHARLESTOWN — Leona Louise Bennett, 87, of Charlestown passed away peacefully Jan. 2, 2019 in Springfield, Vermont with family by her side.
Leona was born in Acworth on Dec. 3, 1931, the daughter of Gordon Henry Bashaw and Ida Louise (Kinney) Bashaw.
Leona graduated from Charlestown High School, after which, she resided in Charlestown for most of her life. She married Carl (Red) Harold Bennett on May 6, 1950. They were married for 58 years. Carl predeceased her in April 2009.
In addition to raising her children and caring for her family, later in life Leona worked at Charlestown Elementary School in the kitchen. Leona was wonderful with children and always enjoyed her interactions with the students. Leona was respectfully named “Turtle” and she would always call the students “her kids.” She never missed any of the school programs and would always tell the students how wonderful their shows were. Leona received employee of the year awards several times. Also, a few of the yearbooks were dedicated to her during her tenure.
Leona loved her family and always enjoyed time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Leona had many interests throughout her life, including bowling; dancing; yodeling with her sister; enjoying music, especially Elvis; watching birds at her bird feeders; traveling; lounging poolside; time spent with friends; and cooking for family during the holidays.
Family includes two daughters, LennyLee Loizeaux Bennett of St. Augustine, Florida and Dale Bennett Wood of Charlestown; five grandchildren, Nathan Loizeaux, Johnathan Loizeaux, Nicole Loizeaux Skinner, Fawn Wood Thibodeau and Jeremy Wood; eight great grandchildren, Gunnar Thibodeau, Dominic Wood, Esme Wood, Adelaide Skinner, Oliver Skinner, Estelle Skinner, Linnea Skinner and Sebastien Loizeaux; one sister Ruthie Bashaw; one brother Gordon Henry (Butch) Bashaw Jr; two nieces Heidi Bushway and Natalie Bashaw; and one nephew Glenn Bashaw.
A service of Christian Burial to celebrate Leona’s life will be held Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019. Calling hours will be at Charlestown Memorial Chapel, 34 Main Street, Charlestown from 1-2 p.m. The service will follow at the Charlestown Congregational Church, Main Street, Charlestown at 2:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Fall Mountain Regional School District c/o Leona Bennett Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 720 Langdon, NH 03602.
To view an online memorial or send message of condolence, visit www.stringerfh.com.
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