Lesley A. Bennett

Obituary of Lesley A. Andrews Bennett

Lesley Anne Andrews Bennett, 54, passed away peacefully at Winchester Hospital surrounded by loved ones. Born in Woburn on June 6, 1971, she was the third child of Robert O. and Veronica (McGowan) Andrews. Lesley lived much of her life in Woburn and spent years in Saugus, Peabody, and her beloved Salem, MA. She brought magic to the world of adults and children alike. She will be remembered for the sparkle in her eye.

Lesley graduated from Woburn High School where she participated in Marching and Concert Bands, and Theater. She attended Middlesex Community College and enjoyed a career in retail. Her most celebrated role was working with Laurie Cabot in Salem where Lesley's love of magic had an outlet. In Salem, she thrilled in sharing Salem Willows, the House of Seven Gables, and other notable tourist attractions which she made real and relatable for visitors and guests.

On April 6, 2002, on Salem Common, Lesley married Keith Bennett. Lesley and Keith walked together for 30 years. Keith's support during her final years of illness was integral to all who loved Les.

Lesley became the 'crazy aunt' to many young people and her beloved brother, Bob, taking them on adventures. Many of those children, now with children, remember Les as a bright light in their growing up. Her funny blue car was always full of kites, crafty things, and other treasures. She knew the best places to fly kites, and when there was no wind, there was always Pokemon Go or geocaching. Her spark for life shone brightest while guiding young people to see their own light and to seek out adventure. She spread fairy dust everywhere, and on the heads of little people extolling their intrinsic value.

She loved Higgins Beach in Scarborough, Maine where she spent many summers with her family flying kites on the beach, always with extras to share. Picnics were epic events during fireworks at the park in Arlington Heights (MA) and in Salem where she knew just the right place to park. Her Woburn Halloween Parade tailgate parties at the end of Green Street were legendary. She invited everyone to share her joy! We each carry a bit of Lesley's magic and shine brighter because of her being.

Lesley was the beloved wife of Keith Bennett, daughter of the late Robert and Veronica (McGowan) Andrews, sister of D. Andrews and her partner Rodney Brown of East Hampton, CT; Mary Ann Small and her husband Richard of Randolph, MA; Robert "Bobby" E. Andrews of Woburn; and Sara "Tilli" Andrews-Wojtczak and her husband Tomasz Wojtczak of Westford, MA. She was the beloved aunt of Grace and Emily Small of Randolph, and Theo Wojtczak of Westford, who brought her immeasurable joy.

Visiting hours will be at the Graham Funeral Home, 3 Arlington Rd., Woburn on Friday, November 21 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held at the Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, 185 Lake Street (off Route 1 South) in Peabody on Saturday, November 22 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lesley's memory to support others with lymphedema to the Lymphatic Education & Research Network at https://lymphaticnetwork.org/?form=TributeDonations