Mrs. Francis S. Bennett, 88, of Watertown, passed into the loving arms of Jesus on April 1, after spending the day surrounded by family singing her praises and holding her hand.
At the time of her passing, Fran resided at Summit Village, where she had been since 2019.
Fran was born January 6, 1938, in Clayton, the daughter of Harold and Margurite (Brown) Rivers. She attended Clayton School and graduated in 1956. A marriage to Charles Brown ended in divorce in 1960. She then married Edward Perkins who passed in 1989. On May 23, 2009, she finally married the love of her life, her high school sweetheart, George Bennett. Unfortunately, George passed away six months later.
Throughout her life, she owned and operated the Little M in Clayton, Big M in LaFargeville, and Perkins Scrap Metal in Watertown.
In her early years she was a member of the Eastern Star.
Fran enjoyed crossword puzzles, bingo, arts and crafts, camping, cruising, and planning any sort of themed party she could think of, of her family and friends. Frans greatest joy was her family, no matter who she met she was sure to bring up her family to brag about. At any given time, you never knew who you would find at her table. Could be one of her kids moving back in with their own families, or a grandchild there with a house full of their friends, and she would have it no other way.
Although her life brought her many struggles, she remained on of the most caring generous people you could ever meet.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Larry (Melissa) Brown of Watertown, Tim (Marcy) Brown of Massena, Carol (Don) Deberger of Watertown, Ed Perkins Jr of Watertown, and Walter Perkins of Harrisville; four stepchildren, Georgia Parker of PA, Amy Wright of Fl, Christopher Bennett of Fl, and George Bennett Jr of Tn; Fifteen grandchildren; Twenty five great grandchildren; eight great great grandchildren, many of these she had the joy of helping to raise; and one sister, Terry Burns.
She is predeceased by six brothers, James, Bill, Bob, John, Thomas, and Harold; six sisters, Marilyn Russell, Ruth Dunbar, Vernice Duford, Bessie Bennett, Anne Patterson, and Patti Rivers; one daughter in law, Danielle Perkins; a granddaughter, Janelle Perkins; and a grandson, Joshua Perkins.
Our Mom/Grandma will always be remembered for her endless love and generosity that went beyond materialistic things. She always gave freely of her time, energy, and wisdom. Her legacy of humor and perseverance will live on through all who knew and loved her.
Although our hearts are heavy and we will miss her beyond measure, there is peace knowing she was met at heaven’s gate with her family waiting with open arms. No doubt a party of some sort is being planned as we speak.
A burial at Brookside Cemetery and a Celebration of Life will happen at dates later to be announced.
Carol Jank
Your mom was next door to my Dad at Summit. She was a wonderful lady. Sending condolences.
Melinda Faust Countryman
My deepest condolences to the family.
Lorie Slate-Pedrotti
I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you all during this time.
Jean Lane Snyder
I met Fran and her family while living in Chaumont many years ago. She and my mom were friends and we grew up with her kids. She was such a sweet lady! May God bless the family until they meet again in heaven!
Sherry Cobb
Prayers to the family and friends, May she RIP.
Leslie Brown Varner
So very sorry for Fran’s passing. She will be remembered fondly by many. My heart is with you all.
Celeste Kline
So sorry for your family loss my thoughts and prayers go out with you. Going to miss seeing her
Mary E. Patch
I am so sorry to see this. Fran was always so nice and a great neighbor.
Patricia Slate
Im so sorry for the loss of my Aunt Fran! She was a very loving, caring & giving women! I loved her very much! You could not help but love such a beautiful women.My condolences goes out to our/her family & friends! She will be greatly missed! She had one of the biggest hearts I have ever seen in a person! She was so funny & such a great women to be around! I can’t say enough about her cause she had too many wonderful things to list concerning her beautiful & thoughtful ways.She made this world a better place! She was a joy to be around & I never saw a cruel thing she ever said about anyone! She did not judge people & she accepted people for them & she accepted their faults & all! She was so full of love that just her presence made a person feel great! She had many people who just loved her & she loved to be around lots of people! She was so friendly & she was a people person! I will miss you Aunt Fran! R.I.P. You are in a better world now & you no longer have to suffer with health issues! Love you much Aunt Fran…With love forever your neice, Patti Slate
Jackie Burke-McGinnis
Oh I am so sorry to hear this. I was one of her nurses at the Summit. We used to laugh everyday as I walked by her and messed up her hair. Or when she wore the t shirt Celeste and I gave her. “Where the Wild things are.” She was the highlight of some very stressful days. Franny you will never know how much you were loved. My condolences to your family.
Lindy Jackson
Our deepest condolences to the whole family. Your Mother was a beautiful lady. Hugs and much love to all. Love Lindy and Bruce.
Randy Mehaffy
My sincere condolences to the family and loved ones. Fran will be remembered for the care and compassion, and her keen witt to keep things lite when needed. Rest in peace.
Robbin Hlad
Larry, Missy and family so sorry to read about the loss of your loved one.
Marjorie F. Steiner
I met Fran, through, the Steiner Family in Watertown. She, was, always fun, to be with!! May, She rest in Heaven!!
Joanne Thomas
You will be missed Franny, you the best friend I ever had
We had so much fun in our life ❤️ I think for over 70 years now you are gone and I won’t be able to visit,Fran take care I’ll see you later, then we’ll go to the park and swing we won’t have to pay a babysitter.
S lentz
Timmy, Larry , Carol & Family, Thoughts of all of you at this sad time. With our Sympathy, The Pilon Family
Kerry & Nancy Benney
With our deepest sympathy, our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Brenda Monaco
Carol & family,
So sorry to hear your mother passed away. She was obviously was a wonderful person. Love & prayers for you & yor family.