Marcelle C. BenDavid

Marcelle Claudette Paquet BenDavid peacefully passed away in her home on January 31, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply. She was 90 years old. She was a quiet, steady presence-a silent caregiver who gave endlessly and never asked for anything in return. To be near Marcelle was to feel safe, cared for, and quietly understood.

Marcelle was born and raised in St-Georges-de-Beauce, Quebec, Canada, on March 23rd, 1935, growing up as one of the youngest of her 10 siblings. Family was never just important to her-it was everything. That foundation followed her throughout her life and shaped the way she loved, cared, and showed up for the people around her.

She later came to Martha's Vineyard as a nanny, not knowing that one small moment would change her life forever. While ordering a slice of pizza at the window of Giordano's, she met Arthur BenDavid, who was working there at the time. From that simple exchange grew a love that would last a lifetime. They were married on June 21, 1958, and shared 58 beautiful years together.

Marcelle showed love in the most genuine ways, especially through her cooking. If you were lucky enough to be in her life, you were fed. Her hot pepper jelly, American chop suey, artichoke dip, and Kahlua cake weren't just recipes-they were how she said "I love you," and how she brought everyone together.

She was the heart of her family and took immense pride in her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was a devoted mother to Rene and his wife MaryEllen (Mel) BenDavid; Eric BenDavid; Lisa and her husband Steve Scannell; and Gary and his wife Joellen BenDavid. She was a loving grandmother to Krista BenDavid; Alex and his wife Sasha BenDavid; Jessica and her husband Paul O'Reilly; Jaime Forend and her fiancé Adam Karwiel; Ava BenDavid; and Nicholas BenDavid. She was a Great grandmother to Kai BenDavid; Leo BenDavid; and Emmet O'Reilly. She is also survived by her beloved sister and last living sibling, Jacqueline Fortin.

Marcelle was a constant presence around the Oak Bluffs harbor-a familiar face and an icon to those who knew her. Like the harbor she loved, she was steady and enduring, a place people returned to again and again. Her kindness, strength, and quiet grace left a lasting mark on everyone she met.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Arthur Walter BenDavid. Her love lives on through her family, her memories, shared meals, and the many lives she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Marcelle's memory to Hospice of Martha's Vineyard, 455 State Road | PMB 244, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. Those who wish may also send flowers to the BenDavid Family at 63 Naushon Avenue, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.