Louise T. Benham

Louise T. (McManus) Benham, age 84, passed away in the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston on Friday, December 22, 2017. Born in Medford, Massachusetts on January 15, 1933, she was the daughter of the late William and Florence (Nevins) McManus. She was raised in Medford and graduated from Medford High School with the Class of 1950. She went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree from Lowell State College of Education in 1954. She took a teaching position with the Dame Elementary School in Medford and also began taking classes to earn her Master's Degree from Boston University, which she completed in 1958.

Louise married her loving husband, John E. Benham, on August 2, 1958 in Saint Joseph's Church in Medford. They initially made their home in Brighton and later settled in West Roxbury, where they welcomed four children. Louise settled into the role of a homemaker, raising and caring for her young family. In July of 1970, Louise and John settled into their home on Sandy Valley Drive in Walpole, where they have lived since. After making her home in Walpole, Louise became a dedicated member of Blessed Sacrament Church in Walpole, where she attended Mass weekly.

Louise lived a very active life, and enjoyed participating in aerobics classes at the Vanderbilt Club in Norwood several times a week, making lasting friendships. She loved her independence and regularly took shopping trips, always looking for a great deal. As a former teacher, she enjoyed taking her family on educational trips around the country, visiting places such as the Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Colonial Williamsburg, the Kennedy Space Center, Washington, DC, and New York City. She did, however, love taking fun trips with her children to Disney World, Lake George, and Busch Gardens, making many happy and lasting memories. Her love for travel never ceased, as she took a special trip to London, England with her daughter, Karen, seeing all the landmarks and surrounding country side, several years ago. Louise's life truly revolved around her family and she loved being surrounded by those that she loved.

Beloved wife of John E. Benham.
Loving mother of Stephen M. Benham and his wife Renate of Princeton, NJ, Susan M. Benham of Walpole, Michael J. Benham and his wife Ann Corelia of Springfield, PA, and Karen L. Garrity and her husband Peter of Wrentham.
Cherished grandmother of David, Meghan, Peter, Katie, Sean, and Samantha.
Sister of the late Virginia Mitchell and Warren McManus.
Devoted aunt of John Mitchell of Stamford, CT.
Also survived by her cousins, Thomas McManus of NH and Bishop Walter Edyvean.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Louise's Life Celebration on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 from 4-7 PM and Thursday, December 28, 2017 from 9-9:30 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at 10 AM. Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Avenue, Waltham, MA 02451.