Janice Belanger Bensing

WEST BATH – The family of Janice Belanger Bensing is saddened to announce her passing on Dec. 28, 2025 after a brief illness.

Janice, affectionately known as “Boots”, “Bootsie”, or Jan was born on March 4, 1952 to John E. Belanger and Barbara Tasker Belanger. The fourth of eight children, Janice was proud of being raised in a large family, and was a cherished daughter, sister, and friend. Her personality was laced with sharp wit, a spirited sense of humor, compassion, and devotion. These qualities were thoroughly enjoyed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her family, friends, and faith were her foundation in life. She never missed a party, class reunion, or weekly mass.

Janice graduated from Morse High School in 1970. She was known by classmates for her sparkling blue eyes, also admired by the love of her life, Robert Bensing. Janice and Bob married in 1986 and enjoyed 37 years of partnership.

Janice was self-employed as a licensed electrologist. She co-owned Cobblestone & Co., antique store on Front St. in Bath with her sister, Susan, where they displayed a large collection of ornate antiques that brought joy to many patrons over the years. In retirement, she became a devoted caregiver for her mother and later her husband. Janice always created a caring and welcoming space for her family and friends to congregate. Perhaps her greatest accomplishment was making her family and friends feel cherished. Janice was a daughter, sister, friend, aunt, stepmom, great aunt, collector, “Birthday Girl”, bargain hunter, needlepointer, casino enthusiast, world traveler, parishioner, and so much more by those who loved her. She was predeceased by, her husband Robert Bensing, parents John and Barbara, brother Richard Belanger, sister Barbara Jo Belanger, aunt Carol “Honey” Stevens, aunt Louise Stimpson, brother-in-law Benson Gilmore, and dear friend Patti Crooker. She will be fondly remembered by her brother, Norman Rich and his partner Linda Rapson, sister-in-law Julie Belanger, sister Susan Belanger and husband John Colombraro, sister Bette Gilmore, brother John F. Belanger and his wife Karyn, sister Mary Bean and her husband Skip, brother David Belanger and his wife, Patty. Her best friend Catherine Underwood and her husband Jack, stepchildren Billy, Dawn and Jeff Bensing, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and dear friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Feb. 28, 2026 at 11 a.m. at All Saints Parish, St. Mary’s Church, Lincoln Street, Bath, Maine 04530.

To share your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit http://www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Janice’s name to Morse High School Class of 1970, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Or All Saints Parish