Obituaries 03/06/08

Marian M. Strobridge

VERGENNES — Marian M. Strobridge, 93, of Vergennes died on Saturday, March 1, 2008, at Ringer’s Community Care Home in Vergennes following a courageous battle with ALS. She was born Oct. 6, 1914, to the late Ashley and Bertha Munger in the same house in which her mother was born.

She was raised in Peacham and graduated from Peacham Academy. On Aug. 9, 1941, she was married to Edgar “Norton” Strobridge in West Barnet.

Following an extended wartime separation, she joined him for Army assignments in Louisiana before returning to civilian life in the Northeast Kingdom. When he was appointed as a Vermont Fish and Game warden, they moved to Poultney in 1947 and subsequently to Vergennes in 1956.

She played the piano for the children’s choir of the Vergennes United Methodist Church for more than 20 years and served as treasurer for the church and as bookkeeper for Howard LeBoeuf and Son contractors.

Despite multiple hardships, including severe hearing impairment since childhood; loss of a daughter, Judith Ann, to leukemia in 1954; and loss of her husband to heart disease in 1974, she devoted her energies to her home, church, music, friends, extended family, and the Boston Red Sox, according to family.

She is survived by her son Steven and his wife Carol of Springfield, Va.; her son Peter and his wife Christina of Worcester; five grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; a sister-in-law, Judith Munger; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Stanley, Loring and Roy.

A memorial service was held on Wednesday, March 5, at Vergennes United Methodist Church.

Memorial donations can be made to Addison County Home Health and Hospice, P.O. Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753.

Rene A. Benoit

BRIDPORT — Rene A. Benoit, 85, died on Feb. 28, 2008, at Helen Porter Nursing Home with his family at his side. He was born on July 13, 1922, in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, to Felix Benoit and Hermaline (Charleboise) Benoit.

He grew up in Hinesburg attending local schools. He served in World War II in the United States Army as a paratrooper. He was in the Battle of the Bulge and received two purple hearts and the bronze star. He was very proud of his service to his country. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion Post 14 of Vergennes.

He and his wife were married Oct. 22, 1943, in Fayetteville, N.C.

He leaves his wife Mattie (Cross) Benoit; four sons, Jerry P. Benoit and his wife Nina of Shoreham, Donald A. Benoit of Burlington, Rene E. “Skip” Benoit and his wife Sharon P. of Weybridge, and Larry S. Benoit and Nancy of Hendersonville, Tenn.; his daughter, Sharon Lynn Benoit of Bridport; two brothers, Arthur Benoit and his wife Lorette of Williston and Gerard Benoit and his wife Evelyn of Bridport; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one great- great-granddaughter; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by four brothers and eight sisters.

A memorial service was held on Wednesday, March 5, at St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church in Bridport. The Rev. Justin Baker officiated.

Memorial donations be made to the Activities Fund at Helen Porter Nursing Home at 30 Porter Drive, Middlebury, VT 05753 or to Project Independence, Box 531, Middlebury, VT 05753.