Pauline Charlotte (Drake) Benton of Bridgewater died peacefully after a brief illness on Nov. 7.

She was born Dec. 21, 1918 in Hyde Park, Boston, to the late Lemuel F. Drake and Edith M. Nickerson Drake, and grew up with a family of eight other brothers and sisters, in the towns of Westport, Middleboro, Edgartown and Bridgewater. She graduated from Bridgewater High School in 1937.

Her primary interest was her family. She maintained an active interest in supporting and corresponding with her immediate, as well as her extended family.

Having a love of the earth, she most enjoyed being outdoors taking walks, tending her flower garden and bird watching.

She was the beloved wife of the late Richard (Bill) Benton. She is survived by her children and their wives, Paul D. Benton and his wife, Spring, of Marshfield, Richard C. Benton Jr., and his wife, Nancy, of Bridgewater, Joseph L. Benton and his wife, Carol, of Middleboro; her brother, Samuel J. Drake; and her sister, Edith L. Bennett of Vineyard Haven; her grandchildren, Scott D. Benton of Whitman, Tammy P. Benton of Whitman, Michael M. Benton of Brockton, Richard C. Benton 3rd of Walpole, Edwin J. Benton of Lakeville, Joshua R. Benton of Jamiaca Plain, Harris D. Benton of Raynham; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was also predeceased by her siblings, Winona Barnes, Frances Scheffer, Harris, Frank, Leonard and Charles Drake.