Christine Bennett

Christine L. Bennett (Decker), 71, of Guilford, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 16th, 2025, after a long battle with cancer.

Christine was born on October 5th, 1953, in Waterville, ME, to Harry A. and Lulu (McKechnie) Decker. She graduated from Dexter Regional High School in 1972.

After marrying Erick & Josh's father, Richard, Christine spent many years working in the Maine textile industry. In the late 1990s, after the closing of Eastland Woolen Mill and a split from Richard, she earned her Certified Nursing Assistant credential. She spent the last 20 years of her career as a Home Health Aid and CNA at Hibbard's nursing home in Dover-Foxcroft. She retired in 2015.

Once retired, she reconnected with Kenneth Bennett, a classmate from high school. After spending time as friends and then dating, Christine and Ken married on September 21, 2019.



Christine loved music and her family. She had a close-knit relationship with her siblings, and often spent time with them singing and playing music. In later years, she also played and sang at her church, Hartland Full Gospel Church, and performed at local community music events.

She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and devoted a lot of time to visiting with her loved ones, treasuring those relationships. She had a dear friendship for many years with Jeanette Smith and loved her former sister-in-law, Margaret Thurston, like a sister.

Christine was also an avid animal lover. What started with two pet rabbits given to her sons as teens sparked two decades of dedicating her time and care to aging and neglected rabbits, which earned her home the nickname "Bunny Hospice" from her children and grandchildren.

Christine is survived by her husband, Kenneth Bennett of Guilford; two sons: Erick and his wife, Jennifer, of Pittsfield, ME, and their children, Ryan, Jack, and Luke; Joshua and his wife, Erin, of Milpitas, CA, and their children, Kaitlyn and Gabriel; Sisters: Connie Ballard and partner Charlie of St. Albans; Jodi Hicks of Charleston; and brother Wally Decker of Freeport. Additionally, she was loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins, beloved Murray & Schumpert in-laws, Erick & Josh's brother, Travis Hall, and her cherished cat "Tony".

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by two brothers, Harry George & Frank; Erick & Josh's grandmother, Stella; and grandson, Joshua Daniel.

In lieu of funeral services, her wishes were to have a "Celebration of Life" gathering for family and close friends. This event will be held this summer, and coordination will be handled by her sons, with more information available in the coming weeks.

Additionally, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Christine's memory to PAWS of Milo Penquis Animal Welfare Sanctuary, from which she and Ken adopted Tony.