Rosalie Benson Obituary

Rosalie F. Benson

Bethel, VT — Rosalie Fuster Benson passed away unexpectedly on the evening of Monday, June 27th in Mt. Shasta, California while on vacation with her husband. She was born on April 3, 1957 in Rutland, VT, the youngest child of Joseph & Frances (Engler) Fuster, She spent her early years through high school in Pittsfield, Vermont at the family's Swiss Farm Lodge, where she worked at times with her family into her 20's. Rosalie attended Pittsfield Elementary School and Whitcomb Middle & High Schools, graduating as Valedictorian of her class in 1975. Although just shy of 5 feet tall, she was active in several school sports programs including field hockey, cross country running and cheerleading, usually, due to her size, being the one boosted to the top of the pyramid or being tossed through the air by other members of the squad. Her most proud moment was as a member of the squad that took first place in the Division 4 State Cheer competition. Post high school she went on to attend the University of Vermont and Champlain College. She married her high school sweetheart Eric "Rick" Benson on May 6, 1978 in Killington, VT. Together they raised two daughters, Ashleigh and Leslie, as well as hosted several exchange students during and after the girl's high school years.

Rosalie worked primarily as an office assistant in businesses and organizations located in Burlington and Central Vermont. It was later in life that she found her true passion in elder care working as an LNA at Merton's House in Woodstock and "in home" care with Hearts at Home in Bethel. There were many recipients of her caring heart who enjoyed her tender care resulting in lasting bonds with several families in the area. A true champion of the underdog, she was always looking out to quietly advocate for the underprivileged, challenged or otherwise ignored individuals. Her greatest passion in life was first and foremost, lovingly raising her daughters, giving them the tools they needed to be great moms themselves as well as successful in their worldly endeavors. Her many interests included skiing, tennis, traveling, and tending her flower and vegetable gardens. Most recently, as her health and physical disabilities limited movement, she became an avid reader of books. Most of all, as she was blessed with five wonderful grandchildren, entertaining and enjoying time with them became her most rewarding activity. The annual summer vacations with family at the beach in South Carolina were certainly the most enjoyable times of her life.

She leaves behind her husband Rick of 44 years, daughters Ashleigh and her husband Paul, Leslie and her husband Renny, grandchildren Lucas, Thatcher, Beckett, Mia and Scout. Additionally her sister Sandra, brothers Joe and his wife Pat, Dennis and his wife Cindy, Uncle Robert and Aunt Angelina, brothers in-law Jon (companion Marilyn), Roy (Madeline) and Hiram (companion Cindy), as well as many nieces and nephews, all of whom had a special place in her heart.

With her sudden passing, she has left a very large hole in the hearts of her family and friends, one that will never be completely healed. To remember and honor her time with us the family will host a memorial gathering and celebration of life on Saturday, July 9th, at the Bethel Town Hall from 2-4pm. Beverages and light fare will be provided. Come prepared to weep a little and smile a lot as we remember the great memories of our departed wife, mom, mimi, sister, niece, aunt and friend.

Donations in her remembrance can be sent to the Bethel Food Shelf, PO Box 211, Bethel, VT, or the Bethel Historical Society, PO Box 25, Bethel, VT 05032.