Obituary of Sally Dowsland Benoit

Sally Lou Dowsland Benoit

Little Falls

Sally D. Benoit, 85, of Monroe Street passed away Friday Dec 20, 2024 at the Alpine Nursing home in Little Falls with her family by her side after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. She was born April 25,1939 in Westmoreland, NY, a daughter of the late Glenn A. Dowsland and Charlotte S. (Hahn) Dowsland. She graduated from Westmoreland Central School in 1956 and lived in the town of Westmoreland most of her life.

On December 29,1956 she was united in marriage to Arthur J. Benoit Jr. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Clark Mills. Together they shared a marriage of love and happiness for over 57 years.

Sally worked as an office manager for Harding Manufacturing in Rome, NY, retiring from there in 2001. She was a beloved employee and was respected by all who worked with her. She remained friends with many coworkers after she retired.

Sally had a love for life that is difficult to match. She enjoyed the simple things in life such as reading, baking and cooking for her family, attending concerts in the park in Clinton and attending car shows with her beloved husband Art. What she loved most was spending time with her children and grandchildren, always volunteering to babysit whenever she could. She was the most dependable person you ever met. The bond she formed with them is immeasurable, all of them aspire to be just like her.

Sally was always a person you could depend on. Selfless to a fault, she rarely missed work and never walked away from responsibilities. Above all, she was the kindest person and was always there for you if you needed her. In so many ways, Sally was a saint. She was never judgmental and always fair. She raised 7 children with love and compassion. When her daughter Brenda died tragically at 18 in an automobile accident, she pulled her family together and helped them become stronger, a situation that often tears families apart, she was the glue that held her family together and continues to be an inspiration to all who knew her.

She is survived by a brother Charles Dowsland of Utica, and three sisters Glenda Harrnacker of Syracuse, Michelle Uvanni of Rome, and Cheryl Nestved of Rome. Five daughters, a son, and their spouses, Denise and James Elsasser of Tennessee, Kimberly and James Maio of Oneida, Noreen and Todd Usmail of New Hartford, Christine and Robert Blair of Westmoreland, Jennifer and Sean Landry of Westmoreland, and Craig and Sally Benoit of Salisbury Center. She has 25 grandchildren and their spouses, Jennifer Elsasser, Melissa and Jared Chapman, Cory and Rachael Usmail, Courtney and Paul Raymond, Brittany and Dustin Walsh, Elizabeth Blair, Mitchell Blair, Gianna Maio, Jenna Landry, Brandon Zahniser, Chloe Bryant, Dakota and Shane Whealdon, Charles Harshbarger, Dustin and Alesandria Benoit, Charlie Jean Benoit, Jackson Benoit, Kaydance Benoit, Jozlynne Benoit, Dexter (Benny) Benoit, Frederick Benoit, Omareon Benoit, Evangeline Benoit, Zaley Benoit, Holly Benoit, Delilah Benoit, Noah Benoit, and Gabriella Benoit. She also has 15 great grandchildren, Samantha and James Chapman, Cora and Wacey Usmail, Beckett Walsh, Emma Ebensperger, Arya and Addison Zahniser, Paul and Ellie Raymond, Aidan Bryant, Harper, Carolyn, Arthur and Wyatt Whealdon. Sally was predeceased by husband Arthur, a daughter, Brenda, brother Daryl Dowsland, and her friends Doris and Edwin Weston.

All are invited to call Sunday, December 29, 2024 from 1-3pm at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, 35 College St., Clinton. Funeral services will follow at 3pm at the funeral home.

Our family thanks the staff of Alpine for their patience and love taking care of our mom.

Please consider donations in Sally's memory to the Alzheimer's Association.