NEWPORT - Jean-Marie (Benson) Foster, 87, peacefully passed away May 2, 2022, at a Bangor healthcare facility. She was born July 26, 1934 in Winthrop, MA, a daughter of Earle and Evelyn (Ham) Benson. She moved to Windham, NH, with her parents at an early age. As a child she enjoyed visiting her great uncle John T. Benson at Benson's Wild Animal Farm in Hudson, NH. She loved to play with the monkeys and ride her favorite elephant, Betsey. She graduated from the Searles School in 1948 in Windham, NH and Pinkerton Academy in 1952, Derry, NH. Jean-Marie graduated from the Lawrence General Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1955. She was a communicant of St. Martin's Episcopal Church and was a life member of the Order of The Eastern Star. She married William L. Foster June 20, 1959. They purchased the Ben Franklin Store in Dexter in 1980, which they operated together until retiring in 1992. They then enjoyed wintering in Florida. She is survived by her son James and wife Alice Foster; grandson Brent Foster; and granddaughter Cassidy and husband Tyler Baker; and a cousin, Anne Benson. She was predeceased by her husband Bill in 2013. A private graveside committal service will be held at Riverside Cemetery, Newport. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Newport. Memorial donations may be made to St. Martin's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 107, Palmyra, ME 04965.