Christine Benner

BREWER – Christine Benner, 100, long time resident of Randolph, died peacefully Oct. 13, 2023, at home with family by her side. Daughter of the late William and Margaret Dowling Shea, Christine was born in Gardiner on Dec. 10, 1922. Christine graduated from Gardiner High School in 1940.

Christine enjoyed hunting, skating, gardening, being with friends, and spending years at her camp on Pleasant Pond. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Christine cherished the many road trips up and down the East coast and Canada, making many memories with family. She spent many nights chatting in her driveway with neighbor and friend Marilyn Verhille. Their positive and humorous attitudes encouraged most everyone to stop by for a visit. She spent many years organizing breakfast gatherings for the Gardiner class of 1939 and 1940. She thoroughly enjoyed those times with friends. Christine also worked many years at SAD #11.

She was predeceased by first husband Charles P. Mansir; a son Timothy F. Mansir; second husband Arthur Benner; a sister Constance Hinkley and her husband John, two brothers Jim Shea and William Shea and wife Rachel.

Christine is survived by her daughter Penny McCarthy and husband Charles of Brewer; four grandchildren Erin Finch of Chelsea, Brandon McCarthy, Cameron McCarthy, and Abigail McCarthy all of Brewer; three great grandchildren Griffin Finch, Braden Finch, of Gardiner and Mason Blake of Chelsea; daughter-in-law Kaile of New Hampshire; many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express thanks and appreciation to St. Joseph Hospice in Bangor for the wonderful care provided to Christine over many months. A very special thank you to Marilyn Voisine, who helped care for Christine for many years. Always providing the best care and friendship.

Christine’s memorial visitation will be held on Friday Oct. 20, from 2 – 3 p.m. with a service following at 3 p.m., at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave. Gardiner, with burial following at the Maple Grove Annex Cemetery, Windsor Street, Randolph, with a reception at the Randolph Methodist Church, following the burial.

Arrangements are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.