Genevieve Mary (Danberg) Benedict, a retired operating room registered nurse, died unexpectedly on Oct. 29 due to a ruptured aortic aneurysm. She was 83.

A resident of Linden Ponds in Hingham, she had spent her life helping others and bravely faced her final moments, encouraging the surgical team attempting to save her. Despite her confidence and their efforts, Genevieve passed in the operating room.

Born on Jan. 25, 1941, in Edgartown, Genevieve was the daughter of Victor Allan Danberg and Genevieve Catharine (Oscar) Danberg. She attended Edgartown Schools, graduating as salutatorian of her class in 1958. From an early age, she aspired to become a nurse, a dream she fulfilled by graduating from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1961.

Her nursing career spanned several New England hospitals, including Boston-area hospitals and the VA Hospital in West Haven, Conn. Known for her skill and kindness, she taught anatomy to Harvard Medical students and dedicated years as an operating room nurse. Her compassion extended beyond work; she lovingly cared for her mother after her stroke, ensuring her comfort in familiar surroundings.

She married Harold Leander Benedict. The couple returned to Edgartown after Harold’s retirement, where Genevieve reconnected with old friends and worked part-time at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.

She was passionate about her hobbies, especially knitting and mystery novels. From Nancy Drew to Agatha Christie, she was an avid reader and delighted in classic detective tales. She also loved adventure, whether on windjammer cruises, road trips across Europe, or visits to South America. A talented boater and early solo pilot, Genevieve was unafraid to embrace new challenges.

A crossword enthusiast, she completed countless puzzles throughout her life, inspiring her sister, Vicki, to share this pastime. She was a devoted animal lover, adopting many pets, particularly black cats, and ensured her elderly rescue dog, Prince, joined her at Linden Ponds.

She deeply valued family and friendship, serving as a dedicated stepmother and a loyal friend. Her warmth, humor and generosity will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She was predeceased by her husband, Harold Leander Benedict, who died in 2006 and by her parents, Victor A. Danberg in 1975 and Genevieve C. Danberg in 1994.

She will be lovingly remembered by her sister Victoria L. Danberg and her husband, Dr. John P. Ficarelli of Newton Centre; nephews Dr. Andrew V. Danberg-Ficarelli of South Boston, Alexander J. Ficarelli-Danberg, his wife Morgen Schroeder, their daughter Aurora Lee, of Edgartown; niece Meredith Danberg-Ficarelli and her husband Naji Boustani of Vineyard Haven, cousins Paul Schultz, Aileen (Schultz) Jackson, Joseph and Ann Baran of Ambridge, Pa., Edward Baran of New Philadelphia, Ohio, Philip DeMailo of Locust Grove, Va., Alfred DeMailo of Michigan, Edward DeMailo and his wife Denise of Beaver, Pa.; stepchildren Leeann, Laura, Denise, Alan, their children Amy, Stacey, Tanya, Christopher, Melanie, Steven, Michael, Nicholas, Sarah, Adam, great grandchildren, Ryan and Joseph, as well as numerous friends and other relatives. She was predeceased by stepchildren Elaine, Mark and Laura’s son Michael.

Genevieve’s interment took place on Nov. 10 at the Westside Cemetery, where she was laid to rest among family and loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in her honor to the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard (ASMV), PO Box 1928, Edgartown, MA 02539.