Jeanne M. Benoit

SOUTHBRIDGE: Marie Jeanne Benoit (Mercier) passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, at the age of 88. She was born on August 1, 1937, in Southbridge, Massachusetts, to Henri Joseph Mercier and Rose Belle (Gagnon). She was the youngest of seven children and was preceded in death by her siblings: Irene, Doris, Henry, Rita, Therese “Terry,” and Cecile. She was also predeceased by her son, Brian Robert Benoit, in 2000, and her great-granddaughter, Janessa Marie Jimenez, in 2009.

 Jeanne married Robert George Roger Benoit on August 18, 1956, at Sacred Heart Church in Southbridge. They shared 55 years of marriage before his passing in 2011. 

She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Ann McManus of Charlton, MA; her daughter-in-law, Doreen Ann Benoit of Southbridge, MA; her grandchildren, Malory Marie Jimenez (Benoit) and her husband Jonathan Jimenez of Templeton, MA, Andrew Robert Benoit of Southbridge, MA, and Heather Jean McManus; and her great-grandchildren, Jayden and Jordan Jimenez. 

Jeanne attended Catholic school in Southbridge and later worked for many years locally at Providence House. She also provided compassionate care as a private PCA to many patients in the community. 

Jeanne found her greatest joy in caring for her grandchildren. She also enjoyed her daily walks around town with her husband, Sunday drives, dining out, and spending time at Old Orchard Beach, Maine. There will never be a meal at Bill’s Pizza with pier fries in OOB, a Shirley Temple film, or a Josh Groban song enjoyed without thinking of Jeanne.

 She will also be remembered for her tough exterior yet deeply caring heart, her words of wisdom which she shared whether you were willing to listen or not, and the many memories she made sure to create with those she loved most. And so, as we say goodbye, we remember the words Jeanne often shared through life’s moments: “c’est la vie.”

A private service will be held at Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home, 51 Marcy St. Southbridge.

Burial will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Southbridge, where she will rest alongside her husband, son, and great-granddaughter. 

She will be deeply missed and remembered always.

An online guestbook is available at www.BelangerFuneralHome.com

A video tribute will be available on Tuesday