Grantham, N.H. — Katja (Hautaniemi) Benoit, 92, died on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, her 62nd wedding anniversary, at Genesis Healthcare after a long illness. She was born in New York City, N.Y. on Oct. 10, 1925, the daughter of the late Samuel and Katri (Koski) Hautaniemi. The family moved to Grantham when she was five and Katja remained there for the rest of her long life.

Katja worked as a postal clerk in Grantham for close to 20 years. She was actively involved in the Grantham Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She could often be found on the porch, preparing vegetables from the garden. Katja was a homebody, preferring to read, knit, or enjoy a Saturday night sauna. She loved taking care of her grandchildren and always had fresh baked cookies for them in her cookie jar.

She is predeceased by her parents; her husband of 55 years in 2011, Carlton R. Benoit; and her brother, Kauko Ludwig Hautaniemi. Surviving family includes her sons, Michael Benoit and his wife, Bonnie, of Grantham and Brian Benoit and his wife, Christine, of Bartlett, N.H.; daughter, Robin Palermo and her husband, Chris, of Grantham; five grandchildren, Emily, Alicia, John, Aaron, and Anthony; five great-grandchildren, Kaiden, Tyler, Blakeley, Ethan, and Alexander; sister-in-law, Myrtle Pollari of Newport, N.H.; nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lebanon Center Genesis, Patient Activity Fund, 24 Old Etna Road, Lebanon, NH 03766 or to Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice, P.O. Box 2209, New London, NH 03257.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. at the Grantham Memorial Cemetery.

Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.