STEPHANIE ELIZABETH HOXIE BENOIT

MARGATE, Fla. and OLD TOWN – Stephanie Elizabeth Hoxie Benoit, 37, died Friday, Aug. 18, 2006, at the Memorial General in Hollywood, Fla., after a cardiac arrest. Stephanie was the adopted daughter of Bette and the late Joseph L. Hoxie of Old Town. She was born Feb. 13, 1969, in Waterville, the birth child of Theresa Batchelder of South China and Arthur Hamm. Stephanie suffered with obesity for much of her life. Two years ago she decided to rid herself of the pain of being overweight. She had surgery and regretted it. Her wish was that anyone considering gastric by-pass surgery, get careful counseling before making the decision. In addition to her parents, she will be sadly missed by her husband, Richard Benoit of Florida; and the joy of her life, her son, Joseph Peter Benoit, age 7. Stephanie will also be missed by her siblings, Tiffany and husband, John, of California, Christopher and Karen Hoxie and Josh and Stephanie Hoxie, all of Alaska, April and Michael Palacchetti of Pennsylvania, Joseph Hoxie of Thomaston, Jennifer and Jack Thompson of Alton, Erika Hoxie of Randolph, Randy Henderson of Brewer, Jacob, James “Bruce,” Jeremy, Jordon and Joe-Joe Hoxie, all of Old Town. She is also survived by her biological sisters, Cynthia of Skowhegan and Sarah of Oklahoma; numerous foster siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted 10 a.m. Sept. 1, at the Holy Family Church, Old Town, with Fr. Wilfred Labbe. A reception will be held immediately after the service at the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a fund for Joseph Peter Benoit, 3402 Treasure Lane, Margate, FL 33063.