DIANE GRACE BENNETT

MONKTON — Diane Grace (Thompson) Bennett, 76, cherished wife, Mom, Nana, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away at her home in Monkton, Vt., on Aug. 11, 2025.

She was born in Burlington, Vt., on July 3, 1949, the second youngest of seven children born to the late Donald and Edna Thompson. Diane was preceded in death by her parents, sister Susan Thomas, brother Allen Thompson, sister-in law and best friend, Faye Pidgeon, son-in-law John Allen Jr., and many beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.

In her early years, Diane worked alongside her siblings and parents on the family farm in Hanksville, Vt. This is where her love of animals, gardening, canning, devotion to family, and profound work ethic were rooted.

In 1966 she met the love of her life and best friend, George Bennett, while doing what she loved, dancing at the Old Lantern. He asked her to dance and so they did for the next nearly 60 years.

Diane graduated from Richmond High School in 1967. She attended nurses training, earning her LPN in 1968. George and Diane married on Nov. 21, 1968. They moved to Monkton, Vt., in May of 1971, with their oldest two daughters, where they rented a farm from Miles and Meta Cota. In 1977, they purchased their farm, and through hard work and dedication to each other and their family, they made a successful business and a wonderful home for many to grow up.

In August 2011 they sold the farm and land but kept the house that Diane loved so dearly. If you stopped by you could find her and George making family dinner every Sunday, canning endless jars of pickles from their garden, or her favorite, sitting under the apple tree with a tea in her hand enjoying good conversation and the best view around.

Diane was one of the founding members of the Monkton First Response and served 35 years as an EMT and First Responder. She also served as Monkton’s first E911 Coordinator for many years. She quickly gained a reputation for helping anyone in need, whether it was a child with a bad cut, an elderly resident needing a late-night blood pressure check, or simply offering a comforting touch; she was the one everyone called. Her kindness also extended to local animals; injured or abandoned animals brought to her were cared for, healed, or given homes, with many of them staying with her.

Diane’s generosity was only rivaled by her deep love for her husband and family, family meaning anyone who needed a place to land, making her anyone’s source of love and support. Her door was always open, her table always full, and the tea water was always hot for those seeking shelter, a comforting shoulder, or straightforward advice in life’s struggles. To say her passing will leave a hole in many hearts is an understatement.

Diane is survived by her husband, George Bennett of Monkton; daughters Cheri Lynch of Starksboro, Kirstein Putnam (Ron Gorton) of Vergennes, and Shannon Bennett of Vergennes; brother David Thompson of Huntington; sisters Donna Pizzagalli (Remo) of Shelburne, Sandra Barrett of Ferrisburgh and Judy (Erwin) Brace of Richmond; grandchildren Chelsea Jerome (Chad) of Bristol, Jessica Hoag of Monkton, Ryan Putnam of Granville, N.Y., Cole Putnam of Monkton, Haleigh (TJ) Bennett of Bristol, and Lucas Bennett of Vergennes; and great-grandchildren Adrian, Owen, Ellie, Zeke, Hope, Blake, Bentley and Alaya. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends also survive her, including special friends Rodney Sweet of Vergennes, Maurice and Karen Fortin of Alburgh, and the Cota Families of Monkton.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her honor to Homeward Bound, Addison County’s Humane Society or Vergennes Area Rescue Squad – 106 Panton Rd, Vergennes, VT 05491 for providing compassionate, understanding, and respectful care to her and our family. Thank you.

A celebration of life will be held at Monkton Fire Station, Aug. 30, from 1-4 p.m. All are welcome. ◊