Genevieve J. Benton, 56, of Kittery, ME, died on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 after fighting a tough battle against ALS.  Born on April 6, 1962 and raised in Thornton, NH, she was the daughter of Alton and Cookie Benton.

Genevieve is survived by her life partner, Robbie McLoud, her daughter Erin O'Connell-Johnson and her husband, Tobi Johnson, her son James O'Connell and his wife, Whitney, her granddaughter Genevieve, her grandson Lincoln, her mother Cookie Benton, her brothers, Alton, Kerry, Jerel, and Shirley, and her sisters, Gerry-Ann and Roxcy.  She was preceded by her father, Alton Benton.

Genevieve personified the word incredible.  She was a self-made, female business owner in the male-dominated moving industry; she had fierce drive and the will to succeed.  What was so special about Genevieve, though, is that her giant heart matched her determination.  Genevieve's life mission was to serve.  She accomplished her mission both professionally, through establishing non-profit organizations and leading charity events, and personally, through developing and nurturing an extended family who all consider her a mother.  Genevieve's faith equipped her with profound inner strength; her positivity and resilience were contagious to those around her.  She inspired the best qualities in her large, extended family; her values serve as the moral compass in everyone who she raised and loved as her own.

Anyone who knew Genevieve, or "Gigi," knew that she was indisputably the best hostess.  She loved to bring pleasure to others through her cuisine and her hospitality—always accompanied by a signature cocktail!  She was the instigator that made even the most mediocre days fun and extravagant.  From sleigh riding behind the Jeep, to impulse buying a giant water trampoline, to wearing princess outfits to eat at the local Mexican restaurant, there was never a dull moment when Gigi was in charge.  She was truly our matriarch; any challenge she faced, she did so with poise and grace—her final challenge was no different.

Genevieve will be sorely missed; we ask that in lieu of flowers please consider donating at www.gofundme.com/Genevieve-Benton-als-home-care ; we will celebrate her life on Tuesday night, February 19, 2019, from 5pm-8pm at 10 Water Street, Kittery, ME 03904.  Please join us as one big, extended family in remembering Gigi's strength, beauty, and love of life. Care for the Benton Family has been entrusted to the JS Pelkey & Son Funeral Home.