Shirley F. Bennett

AUBURN – Shirley F. Bennett, 92, passed away peacefully, Aug. 5, 2025. She was born June 2, 1933, in Auburn, to Wilhelmina and Robert C. Ford.

She was predeceased by both of her parents; her husbands, John Guptill and Thomas Bennett, and her sisters, Arlene Fortin and Patricia Tallman. She is survived by her two children, Janet Guptill and wife, Cynthia Palmer of Hendersonville, N.C., and Robert Guptill of Maine.

She was a 1951 graduate of Edward Little High School in Auburn. While there, she joined the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and remained an active member throughout her life. She forged strong friendships and served as the chapter president for several years. She held several jobs throughout her life, but her favorite position was as the secretary of St. Louis School in Auburn. She enjoyed working with the staff and children at the school until her retirement. She also enjoyed working with the children at the High Street Congregational Church as a Sunday School teacher, and later became a member of the United Methodist Church of Auburn.

Shirley was an attentive caregiver to many of her elderly relatives, including her mother and aunt, Maggie Eastman. She cared for them full-time so they could stay at home for the remainder of their lives and cared for other relatives in their homes as well.

The family would like to personally thank the many caregivers who showed extraordinary love and care for Shirley in recent years: the staff of Schooner Estates, Clover Manor; and especially her beloved step-son, Steve Bennett.

Shirley will be buried with her parents at Mt Auburn Cemetery.

Please visit http://www.FortinPinetteGroupLewiston.com to sign Shirley’s guestbook and leave memories and condolences for the family.