Emily Sharon Benoit of Scarborough passed away unexpectedly on September 16, 2023, at her home. She had turned 29 one week before. Emily was born in Portland, Maine, September 8, 1994, daughter to Nicole Benoit and Robert Downs Jr.

In 1997, she moved to Monmouth to live with her grandparents, Sharon Benoit and Keith Weatherbie.  She attended Monmouth Schools until her junior year, where she enjoyed sports; participating in basketball, soccer, softball and tennis. She also performed in several school plays. Growing up on Annabessacook Lake, afforded her the opportunity to skate in the winter on a rink prepared by her grandfather.  In the summer, there were all kinds of water activities, including water skiing and boarding, swimming, canoeing, kayaking and jumping off the Whynot rope swing, as well as many friends and cousins to play with.

In 2016, Emily moved to Westbrook to live with her mother and father.  She attended Westbrook High School, where she earned a GED.  She then attended USM.  After leaving USM, Em lived in Portland for awhile, moved to Massachusetts for a couple of years and ultimately returned to Maine and lived in the Auburn Lewiston Area.

Emily is deeply missed and will be loved forever by her mother and grandparents, as well as her brothers, Jason Oliver of Westbrook and Mitchell Waterman of Buxton. Emily was predeceased by her father. Robert Downs Jr.

We all hope that Emily is at peace.

Emily loved animals and leaves behind her dog and best friend Chris.  Please consider making a donation in Em's memory to

Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland
PO Box 3363
Westbrook, ME  04098

Services will be private.