Pauline M Gray Bennett of Charleston passed away on April 17, 2024 at Belaire in Newport following a long but courageous battle against Alzheimer's Disease.   She was born on August 2, 1930 to Cecil and Ruth (Durgin) Gray of Morgan.   On August 22, 1948 she married Dexter Bennett who predeceased her.

When asked to describe herself, Pauline always answered that she was a farm wife.   Although holding down jobs throughout her life, hospitality was her specialty.  Anyone stopping by the farm was frequently treated to some of Polly's homemade treats, or often a full meal.  Campers returning to their vacation cottages for the summer would often be greeted by a lovely bouquet from Polly's flower garden.  Gardening was a passion, and for many years she was a member of the 4 Seasons Garden Club.

As a young girl, Pauline was employed by Gilliam Lodge.  She was also employed by Camp Winape, mostly as a cook.    Pauline was both bookkeeper and teller at the Island Pond Bank and the National Bank of Derby Line, which later became Community National Bank, and was present one day during a bank robbery!  Following her employment at the bank, she became a rural mail carrier for a number of years before settling down to a quieter life helping on the farm, although she never stopped looking after others' needs, always asking what she could do to help lend a helping hand.

Pauline served as Secretary and Treasurer for both the Orleans County Maple Association, and the Charleston Fire Department.  Over the years, she volunteered for many organizations, including both Newport and Brighton snowmobile clubs, worked on the Morgan Church's annual Sugar-on-Snow party and served on the F.H.A. board, and the Charleston Elementary School Board.

Pauline is survived by her sons Don, his wife Diane, Dean and his wife Jeannine, granddaughter Rev. Julie Wilson, her husband Rev. Heath Wilson, and great-grandson Jeff Wilson.

Pauline was predeceased by her loving husband Dexter on June 13, 2017, by her daughter Joyce in 1950, her grandson Brian in 1982.  She was also predeceased by her brother Alton, her sister Lucy, her niece Debby Gray, and nephew Mike Gray.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Charleston Historical Society, P.O. 46 E Charleston, VT  05833 or Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 8th Ave., NY, NY 10001

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday May 10, 2024 at Hillside Cemetery in East Charleston. Online condolences may be made at curtis-britch.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Curtis-Britch & Bouffard Funeral Home & Cremation Service, locally family owned and operated.