Sanford lost a truly amazing person on Sunday when Shirley Benoit passed away. Many of us have had the honor of meeting Shirley when we went to a Sanford Mainers baseball game. Shirley would sit at the top of the stairs and sell lucky tickets. My kids would run up to her and hug her, and she would always give them a treat.

I remember meeting Shirley’s family one day at Wendy’s in Sanford. Then Shirley came over and listened about what sports my children were playing. She said I will be right back, went back to her table, and brought each of my kids a dollar bill back. She said that she was so proud of them and that she wanted them to get a treat.

It was also really neat to go into the Sanford Journal Tribune office and see her there. Shirley was one of a kind, a truly amazing person who not only cared about her family, but cared about her community and friends. Not only was she very active with the Mainers, she helped with many community fundraisers and nonprofits. Her smile and compassionate voice would cheer anyone up.

To her family, thank you for sharing her with the community. Shirley, you truly will be missed and it was an honor knowing you and thank you for being such a tremendous role model.

Jason Cole, Lebanon