Geraldine Mae Paulette Bennett

Geraldine May Paulette Bennett, 81, of Dexter, NY, passed away peacefully at her home on March 19, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on May 22, 1943, in Kingston, Ontario, to George M. and Thelma G. (Carl) Wartman. Geraldine graduated from St. Lawrence College in Kingston, Ontario.

She married Walter J. Rider in August of 1960 in Canada where the couple resided for many years and raised their family. 

Geraldine was a dedicated member of AMORC and was deeply involved in her community. She served as a Cub Scout leader for five years, a 4-H leader for seven years, and a Girl Guide leader for four years, all in Colebrook, Ontario. She also opened her heart and home as a foster parent to numerous high-need children in Ontario. Geraldine and Walter were ministers at the First Church of Spiritual Guidance in Colebrook and Huntsville, Ontario, Canada. Walter passed away in 1988.  When she moved to the US she remarried to Cliff L. Bennett of Dexter in 1986.  She and her husband made their home in Dexter where she also owned and operated  New Dawn Publishing Company  for 21 years. She attended the Unitarian Church in Watertown where she was briefly the treasurer and an active member.

Geraldine grew up on a farm with her family and this experience gave her the love to garden and become an herbalist which she was recognized for in the Watertown Daily Times.  She also loved spending time creating fun memories with her children and grandchildren  at their home on Pillar Point, camping in the backyard and spending countless hours swimming and playing on the waterfront.

Geraldine is survived by her beloved children: Terry lLynn (John) Kotcher of Iron Mountain, MI,  Jackoline C. Leggero, Dexter, NY,  Debra Ann Rider of Lowville, NY, Tracy R.  (Steve) Rider of Lowville, NY; Paul J.M. (Tammi) Rider of Ottawa; and Conrad A. Bennett of Dexter, NY; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and two great great grandsons; three brothers, Kenneth Wartman, of Kingston, Ont., Reginald and William Wartman of Kitchener, Ont.;a sister, Bonnee Bremner, of Canada; twin sisters, Lori (Robin) Babcock, Yarker, Ont. and Lynda Wartman, Kingston, Ont. 

Besides her parents she is predeceased by her brother, Carl Wartman.

Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home. It was her wish to be cremated, and no services will be held at this time. 

Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to AMORC in San Jose, California or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be shared at www.dexterfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.