Tina Marie French, 67, of Andover, passed away peacefully at home on June 3. She was surrounded by the two people she loved the most, her husband Gary and her niece Nikita. Tina grew up in Andover, the youngest child of Valerie “Toots” and Ernest French. 

She spent much of her young childhood surrounded by animals — her favorites, horses and dogs. As she got older, she helped her mother care for children at their home. This included nieces, nephews, and many Andover locals. Tina stayed extremely close with her mother and father and lived in her childhood home with them and her husband Gary.

At age 11, she met her best friend and the love of her life, Gary Benoit. Tina and Gary were the perfect match. They enjoyed many of the same activities, such as, hunting, fishing, and having great times with great friends. 

After many years together the two officially wed in a small ceremony in North Conway, New Hampshire. They lived a happy and full life together, along with three wonderful dogs, Ebony, Zoe, and Maggie.

Tina and her niece Nikita shared an unbreakable bond and spent all the time they could together. Countless memories were made over the years. They often went on vacations together, shopping, and spending time with family, but regardless of what they were doing they just wanted to be with each other.

Tina is survived by her husband, Gary A. Benoit, and her black lab, Maggie; her niece, Nikita M. (Thisell) Mayotte and husband Daniel Mayotte and their son, Ezra Mayotte of Newport; her sister, Valerie (French) Barton and husband Cornelius Barton of Loudon; many in-laws, nieces, and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents; her older brothers Larry French and Eugene French; and her nephew Rodney French.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be to the Humane Society of New Hampshire, 1305 Meredith Center Rd, Laconia, NH 03246.  “I love you all the way around the world………………………. And back again.”