Nathalie P. Bennett

Nathalie Preston Bennett, 93, of Middle Street in Sanford died on Tuesday May 10, 2005 at the Greenwood Center in Sanford. Mrs. Bennett was born in Brockton, MA on January 29, 1912 a daughter of Dr. Nathaniel and Mabelle Runey Preston.She graduated from Boothbay Harbor High School and the Farmington Normal School. She taught home economics in Madison from 1932 to 1934 and at Sanford High School from 1934 to 1940.On August 24, 1940 she married George Roger Bennett and became a homemaker until Sanford-Goodall Mills closed. She taught at Kennebunk high School from 1954 to 1956. Following 1956 she taught in Sanford elementary schools at Longfellow and Middle School until 1976. She received a Master of Science in Education degree from the former Gorham State College of the University of Maine in 1971.She was a member of the North Parish Congregational church in Sanford, taught Sunday School and participated in girl Scouts. She was a former member of the Sanford-Springvale College Club, the York County Retired Teacher's Association, and the Evergreen chapter of the Pine Tree Quilter's Guild. She was also a member of the Maine Education Association and the National education Association.She took great pleasure in cooking for her family. Her specialty was trout breakfast, trout being provided by her grandsons during their annual summertime visits. She also enjoyed playing cards, quilting, knitting, rug braiding and growing African violets.She is survived by two sons, Robert Bennett of Renton, WA, Brian Bennett of Sanford, one daughter, Brenda Williams of Rockland. She is also survived by two grandsons, Roderick Penney and his wife Rachel of South Thomaston and Ryan Penney of Brunswick, two great grandchildren, Sarah and Bennett Penney.Mrs. Bennett always considered it a privilege to live in a fine community like Sanford among her many friends and pupils. A graveside service will be held on Friday May 13 at 2pm at Oakdale Cemetery in Sanford. Arrangements are under the direction of the Carll-Heald & Black funeral Home 580 Main Street Springvale Maine.