Laurette J. Bentrewicz

Devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, "Laurie," as she was best known, passed away peacefully at her home on November 29, 2022, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Born on May 15, 1943, Laurie grew up in Whately and Hadley, MA and worked her parents' farm and farm stand in her early years. She attended Hopkins Academy in Hadley, MA, graduating in 1961. Shortly thereafter, she met the love of her life, USAF weapons mechanic, Frank K. Bentrewicz, and were married in September of 1964. Throughout the years, Laurie took residence in Massachusetts, Florida, California, and lastly, Connecticut, where she and her family settled in Westbrook, CT and soon after in Clinton, CT.

Laurie loved living on the Long Island shoreline with its picturesque ocean views, sandy beaches, and salty air. You could often find her beachcombing for seaside treasures with her daughter on Connecticut and Rhode Island shores. She was also a master photographer/artist and possessed gourmet cooking skills that could put Gordon Ramsay to shame. Coming from an agricultural background, Laurie had two green thumbs and penchant for gardening, with daisies being her favorite flower. An authority on blue birds and hummingbirds, Laurie would spend countless hours attracting, documenting, and photographing her feathered friends with intense appreciation for the art and beauty of nature. Laurie was also a renowned bargain hunter who enjoyed antiquing and restoring furniture. She cherished her time volunteering at The Kate Cultural Arts Center and was a devout music fan of Neil Diamond and Queen. What Laurie truly loved most was spending time with her family, friends, and devoted Shelties - Shasta, Misty, Kelly, Angus, Shannen, Shayne, and Tucker. Laurie touched many hearts and lives with her unabandoned generosity, graciousness, and unconditional love to all she encountered.

Laurie was predeceased by her husband, Frank K. Bentrewicz (1942-2010), and her parents, Edward F. Maslanka (1917-1998) and Philemina Pasiecnik Maslanka (1917-2015). She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Lynn Grahn of Niantic; son, Frank E. Bentrewicz of New London; granddaughter, Amanda K. Grahn and great-granddaughter, Yeva Anise Elkins of Niantic; sister, Elaine Mikelis Rogers and her husband C. "Kip" Rogers of Colorado; her devoted canine companion, Tucker; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

May you now find peace and comfort in the arms of your beloved husband. Until we meet again, Mom, we LOVE you to the Sun, the Moon, and the Stars.

Laurie's family will commemorate her loss privately and will hold a memorial service in celebration of her life at a future time.

Given her strong passion for animal rescue, please consider a donation in her memory to Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, Utah 84741. Or you can donate online at https://support.bestfriends.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=memorial_gift&s_src=WDH11211MEMCFPMX.