Margaret Ann Hanley-Benton

Margaret (Peg) A. Hanley-Benton, of Warwick, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Harley F. Benton, Jr.. Born in Providence she was the daughter of the late James J. and Charlotte A (Baker) Hanley.

Peg was the first word processor in 1969 for Edwards & Angel, retiring in 1993 after 23 years, due to illness. Peg swam for twenty-two years daily at McDermott Pool in Warwick. She was one of the McDermott Mermaids. She was an avid fisherman and was found fishing on the shores of Conimicut Point, Oakland Beach, Quonset and Wickford. Peg built custom fishing rods for twelve years. She was a charter member of the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association. Once meeting her husband Harley, they used his boat to find her striper and blues. She also crocheted until her hand gave out. Peg loved gardening, and her time was spent in her yard with her Koi Pond and flower gardens.

Her great joy was her dogs, Max and Lickey, both cocker spaniels, with whom she spent most of her time. When she could take them fishing, they went with her. Her latest companion was Abby, her long-haired mini dachshund

Peg is survived by her son James J. Souza (Lisa) of Tampa, Florida, Stepchildren Paul A. Benton (Cynthia) of Port Charlotte, and James M. Benton (Lisa) of Cranston. She was the grandmother of Jayden J. and Arisan Souza, her sister Marie L. DosRemedios of Warwick.

She was predeceased by her siblings, Thomas W. Hanley, and James J. Hanley, Jr.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 10:00AM, at the Immaculate Conception Church, 237 Garden Hills Drive, Cranston.

Calling hours are kindly omitted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers, 6 Arnold Road, Coventry, RI 02816

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