Shirley Leota Bennett

On Friday, March 29, 2024, Shirley Leota (Mintis) Bennett, loving wife, mother of two children, and grandmother of three, passed away peacefully at the age of 88, in Carrollton, TX.

Shirley was born on March 2, 1936, in Cambridge Station, Nova Scotia to Gordon Everett Mintis and Geraldine (Johnson) Mintis. She graduated from Kings County Academy in Kentville, Nova Scotia at age 16 in 1952. A true believer in higher education, Shirley received her Teaching certificate at Provincial Normal College in Truro, Nova Scotia for Home Economics. She taught for several years in Weymouth, Nova Scotia and Trois-Rivières, Quebec.

Shirley married the love of her life, Francis (Frank) Allen Bennett on March 11, 1960, in Kentville, Nova Scotia, and subsequently moved to Boston, MA. She then earned a Bachelor's degree in Education at Framingham State College in Framingham, MA. She spent her long career as a beloved teacher at Franklin High School. Together they raised two wonderful children, Barbara and Bruce in Franklin, MA.

Shirley proudly became a US citizen on June 14, 1965. She was a woman of great faith and an active volunteer and member of Franklin Federated Church until her move down to Texas. Shirley was known for her incredible baking skills, beautiful and lush garden, and seamstress talents in the community. She loved to play Scrabble, dance, and presided as Queen Bee (President) of the local chapter of the Red Hat Society. She was known for always having a smile on her face, a generous spirit, and being the heart of her family.

Shirley is preceded in death by her father, Gordon Everett Mintis, her mother Geraldine (Johnson) Mintis, her husband Francis (Frank) Allen Bennett, her son Bruce F. Bennett, and her brother, Howard Mintis.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara (Bennett) Trotter; her daughter-in-law, Natalie (Davidson) Bennett; her three grandchildren - Chelsea (Jared) Williams, Samuel Bennett Trotter, and Matthew Bruce Bennett; her siblings - Anne (Jimmy) Paris, Mary (John) Parks, Carole (Mintis) Thompson, Sheila Mintis, Gordon (Ned) Mintis, and Myla (Dale Mintis) Lynche; and a host of family members and friends across the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The Bennett, Mintis, Trotter, and Williams families wish to extend their heartfelt thanks to Avalon Memory Care, HarborChase of Plano, and Arcy Hospice for their loving care.

A memorial service will be held in April for both Frank and Shirley in their hometown of Boston, MA.

Should friends and family desire, memorial contributions may be sent to the

Alzheimer's Association by clicking the link below: Alzheimer's Association