Charlton: Marie Laurette (Benoit) Sleeper, 90, of Charlton City, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 31st, after a battle with dementia.

Remaining to cherish Laurette's memory are her husband of 62 years, Nelson Samuel Sleeper; her five daughters, Marie Johnson of Holden, Elaine Tiberii and her husband Michael of Charlton, Juliana Chandler and her husband David of Charlton, Rachel Langas and her husband Gregory of Colorado Springs, CO and Paula Szkoda and her husband Thaddeus of Charlton; her brother-in-law, Peter McNeaney of Charlton; her 19 grandchildren; her 6 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  Laurette was predeceased by her beloved brother, William James Benoit and beloved sister, Elaine Rosalie McNeaney.

Laurette was born on June 23, 1935 in Southbridge, the daughter of the late William Joseph and Marie Vitaline (Perron) Benoit.  Laurette graduated the valedictorian of her class from Charlton High School in 1954.  After high school she was employed as a clerk at Botwinik Brothers in Worcester.  Laurette married the love of her life, Nelson Sleeper, on Nov. 22, 1962 at St. Joseph's Church in Charlton.

Laurette's two main loves were her family and her faith.  She cherished both equally.  She was a lifetime member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Charlton and participated in prayer meetings, the prayer shawl ministry and the making of baptismal robes.  In her spare time she used to love to crochet, making baby blankets for each of her grandchildren (all 19 of them).  She especially loved spending time in Florida, eating out and just hanging around with her husband Nelson, her sister Elaine and her husband Peter.  Her daughters affectionately referred to them as the "Fantastic Four".

A funeral Mass for Laurette will be held on Tuesday, September 9th, at 11:30am in St. Joseph's Church, 10 H. Putnam Rd. Ext., Charlton.  Calling hours in St. Joseph's Church will be held on Tuesday, September 9th, from 10:00 to 11:30am, prior to the Mass.  Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Southbridge.

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, is directing arrangements.