Denise C. Benson

Denise C. Benson, 83, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in Sanford on Friday, August 21, 2026. Denise had a special way of announcing herself with her familiar, “Here I am!” And now that she has arrived in heaven, she has likely already made sure everyone knows she is there.

She was born on November 30, 1942, to George and Jane (Davis) Laventure in Worcester, Massachusetts, where she grew up and attended local schools.

Denise spent 42 years in her home in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, before recently making the move to Maine to be closer to her family.

Denise was a social, happy, and optimistic person who lived her life on her own terms, cherishing her friendships and the people she met throughout her life. She had lifelong friends dating back to when she was just 18 years old and was known as a solid, loyal friend who was always there for those she cared about. On Tuesdays, she and her friends would go to coffee at In House Coffee and later head to a restaurant, proudly coining themselves the Divine Dining Divas. She also cherished her weekly Thursday craft nights, where friendship, laughter, and good conversation were always enjoyed.

She worked for 20 years in the Facilities Department at College of the Holy Cross, a job she greatly enjoyed.

Denise had a way to make everyone feel welcome. She treated everyone equally, whether they were wealthy or struggling. She accepted people from all walks of life and was never one to speak badly about anyone. She enjoyed antique stores, thrifting, trips to the beach, and simply being out and about.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to her caretaker, Heather; her daughter and son-in-law, Kristen and Aaron; and family friend Sarah, who all came together to provide Denise with exceptional care, love and support.

Denise was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Sandra Watlington.

She leaves behind her son, Kenneth Rabouin and his wife, Cheryl, of Auburn, Massachusetts; her daughters, Kelly O’Malley and her husband, Paul, of Kittery, and Kristen Love and her husband, Aaron, of Sanford; her grandchildren, Alaina Capalbo and her husband, Nicholas, Kaitlin O’Malley and her significant other, Alex Vasili, Zachary Love of Sanford, and Nicholas Love and his wife, Ashley, of Lyman; and her great-grandchildren, Harrison and Evelyn Love and extended family Andrew and Shalees of Worcester. 

Services will be held on Thursday, August 27th, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM at St. Anne’s Church in Shrewsbury. Following the service, please join the family for a mercy meal at Leo’s Ristorante (11 Leo Turo Way, Worcester, MA). In honor of Denise’s vibrant spirit, the family requests that attendees wear bright colors and no black to her services.