Joyce Marie Bennett

MIDDLETOWN, RI - Joyce Nana Marie Bennett, 66, of 13 Balsam Street, Middletown, RI, died Sunday, August 23, 2009 at her home after a prolonged battle with cancer, surrounded by her family and friends. Born in Gloucester, MA, on March 13, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Alphonse and Freda Boudreau Bouchie and wife of the late Frederick Joe Bennett.Joyce and Joe spent a number of years living in Hawaii and Virginia and eventually settled on Aquidneck Island. Mrs. Bennett had worked as a secretary at the Newport School Department for 16 years, retiring in 2006. She enjoyed playing tennis, golfing at Wanumetonomy, and playing Bocce at the senior center. In addition to being the uncontested Skip-Bo Champion of the World, she also earned the reputation as a master practical joker and considered April 1st, her favorite holiday. She is survived by her son Shawn Bennett and his wife Suzette of Middletown, RI, a daughter Karen Bennett-Motta and her husband Glen of Warwick, RI, two brothers Edward Bouchie of Pelham, NH, and Kenneth Bouchie of Amesbury, MA, two sisters Norma Silva of Gloucester, MA, and Gloria Tedesco of Gloucester, MA, and five grandchildren Lucas Bennett, Bronwen Bennett, Gunnar Bennett, Brady Motta, and Cooper Motta. She was also the sister of the late Judith Donahue.Calling hours will be held at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport on September 27, 2009, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm with a memorial service at 3:00pm. Reception will immediately follow.Burial will be private.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society of Rhode Island, 931 Jefferson Blvd., Suite 3004, Warwick, RI, 02886, or to the Visiting Nurse Services of Newport and Bristol Counties, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI, 02871.