Angela M. Benson, 59, of Weston, Vermont, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Jack Byrne Center for Hospice Care in Lebanon, New Hampshire, surrounded by the loving hands of her family.
Born on July 28, 1966, in Townshend, Vermont, Angela was the cherished daughter of Donna M. Griswold and David E. Griswold of Weston. From a young age, Angela exhibited a determination and strength that would define her entire life.
Angela’s early education began at Floodbrook Elementary School, followed by her freshman year at Burr & Burton Academy in Manchester, Vermont. During her time there, she achieved a significant milestone by making the varsity basketball team—a testament to her competitive spirit and dedication.
She later transferred to Green Mountain Union High School in Chester, Vermont, where she excelled academically and athletically, graduating a year early in 1983. Angela was a multi-sport athlete, participating in basketball, softball, and soccer, including summer soccer on a men’s team—a reflection of her toughness, competitiveness, and willingness to challenge herself.
Throughout her life, Angela held many jobs that brought joy to others. She worked at Ben & Jerry’s, delighting her children with bags of ice cream samples, and later at Dakin & Benelli, and in office management for a family business. She also found fulfillment as a bartender at the American Legion Post 67, where she loved connecting with friends and customers alike.
Angela’s life was marked by incredible courage in the face of illness. Diagnosed with breast cancer at age 39, she fought and overcame it. Years later, at 53, she faced stage 2 lung cancer and again beat the odds.
Her final battle began at age 55 with stage 4 lung cancer, requiring treatments every few weeks. Despite the relentless progression of the disease, which eventually spread to her spine and brain, Angela maintained her positive spirit and unwavering hope.
She became a source of comfort to others facing cancer, offering companionship, guidance, and encouragement to those navigating their own journeys. Her selfless dedication to helping others find peace and courage became a true calling in her life.
Angela’s greatest joys were her grandchildren, who lovingly called her Mimsy or Minnie. She adored her children, Jarrett Sanderson and Lyndsay Dias, their spouses, and her extended family, as well as her friends who were like family.
She loved road trips, camping, golf, hunting—including her “Dream Trip” to Trinity Oaks in Texas—Nascar races, Kansas City Chiefs games, and trips to the casino, where her luck was legendary. Her infectious smile, laughter, and love for life left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
Angela is survived by her son Jarrett Sanderson and his wife Jessica, and their children Kylee, Colby, and Gabe of Chester, Vermont; daughter Lyndsay Dias and her husband Joseph, and their children Jack, Sadie, and Porter of Fountain Inn, South Carolina; her parents Donna and David Griswold of Weston, Vermont; grandmother Jackie Griswold of Andover, Vermont; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Angela requested no formal funeral, instead desiring a celebration of life filled with stories, smiles, and laughter—a fitting tribute to a woman who lived fully, loved deeply, and inspired all around her. Her legacy of strength, love, and compassion will be remembered by family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.
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