Fairport, NY — Pauline L. (Dancy) Bennett, a lifelong resident of Fairport, passed away peacefully in the early morning on June 12, 2025, at the Fairport Baptist Home—the very place where her journey of service, faith, and compassion began. Born on August 15, 1926, to William H. and Mary P. (McLeod) Dancy, Pauline was the eldest of three children and a guiding light to her family, her community, and all who had the joy of knowing her.
A proud graduate of Fairport High School, Pauline met her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Arthur Colburne Bennett, during those formative years. They married on May 12, 1945, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in faith, love, and a shared devotion to family and community. Together they raised two children: Donna Lee, born on Pauline’s own birthday in 1946, and Daniel Arthur, born in 1952.
Pauline lived a life of deep faith, enduring service, and humble leadership. A cornerstone of the Fairport Baptist Church, where she served faithfully as a Deaconess, she later joined the Penfield Baptist Church, always carrying with her the same unwavering spirit of devotion and fellowship. She was also an active member of the Fairport Baptist Homes Women’s Service Board, giving generously to the very institution that would one day return that care to her in her final years—bringing her life beautifully full circle.
In recognition of her service and dedication, Pauline was honored with a place on the Fairport Wall of Fame, a fitting tribute to someone who helped weave the fabric of her hometown. Her interests reflected her vibrant spirit: she was an avid reader and baker, known far and wide for her legendary pies, cream puffs, and cookies. She loved sewing, archery, birdwatching, sailing, and treasured peaceful days at Canandaigua Lake.
The three Dancy children each built homes side by side on West Whitney Road, allowing their parents to witness their growing families and to share in a rare and beautiful closeness. In that neighborhood, they nurtured a life rich in love, laughter, and connection.
Whether hosting square dancing events or gathering with her beloved friends in the Fairport Pheasant Gang, Pauline lived every day with joy, generosity, and a deep sense of purpose.
A survivor in every sense of the word, Pauline met life’s challenges with quiet strength and grace—from Bell’s palsy and macular degeneration to hearing loss, Alzheimer’s, and a quadruple bypass. She and Art became models for heart-healthy living, even appearing together in Rochester General Hospital’s cardiac rehabilitation outreach. Her resilience was powerful—but it was her radiant smile and open heart that defined her.
She is survived by her son Dan (Susi) Bennett, his son-in-law Richard Iocco, grandchildren Jeff Iocco, Greg (Melissa) Iocco, Lindsay (Rod) Engels, Raban (Kirsten) Bennett, Kirsten Bennett and Caitlin Bennett, nieces and nephews Lynne (Dennis) Madden, Amy Bennett, Debby (Ron) Roedel, Glynda (Elaine) Dancy, and many beloved great-grandchildren and great-nieces and nephews.
Pauline is preceded in death by her husband Arthur Bennett, her daughter Donna (Bennett) Iocco, brother William A. Dancy Jr., sister-in-law Wilma Dancy, sister Esther Bader, sister-in-law Helen Bennett, brother-in-law Gerald Bennett, and granddaughter Francine Bennett.
Donations in Pauline’s honor can be made directly to the Alzheimer’s Association of Rochester and the Finger Lakes Region at www.alz.org/rochesterny.
