Miss Jennifer Marie Tougas-Benlien

Miss Jennifer Marie Tougas-Benlien, 35, of Hinsdale passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on July 20, 2021, following a long and courageous battle with Glioblastoma Brain Cancer. Jennifer was a warrior enduring multiple surgeries and treatments. She was born in Pittsfield on April 18, 1986, the daughter of Bob and Emma Pettit Benlien, she was a 2004 graduate of Wahconah Regional High School. Jennifer was an accomplished singer, She loved singing at church and competing in many singing competitions. Auditioning for American Idol she made it all the way to the call back round that was held in Boston. She also enjoyed dancing, photography, flowers, animals, but most of all Jennifer was a devoted Christian and loved Jesus. Jennifer was a member of the Dalton United Methodist Church, First Cheshire Baptist Church, and later attended New Life Church and Open Door Church in Lee. She was diagnosed with Brain Cancer in 2008, she took up the challenge and started to inspire and share the message to others about Brain Cancer awareness. In doing so countless individuals reached out to her and shared their stories of their own battles with her. Through this she established a large extended family that lifted each other up and supported each other through their treatments and procedures. One of her means of communication was through Facebook and she has friends all over the world. It was not uncommon for her to be called an inspiration to others. Being a devote Christian, Jennifer wanted to help and educate others while dealing with her own ailments. Jennifer’s love and compassion for people shined through even in her hardships. She had a smile that would light up a room and a bubbly spark that brought joy and laughter to those who knew her. Her story was shared on Facebook “Auntie M Brain Tumours”, “StacheStrong” and “2nd Chance 2 Live” under the name Jennifer Marie. She is survived by her parents Bob and Emma Benlien, sisters Angelica Tougas, Jessica Benlien, Heather Bourassa, Brother In-Law Keith Bourassa, three Nephews, one Niece, Grandmother, many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Friends. FUNERAL NOTICE: A memorial service for Miss. Jennifer M. Tougas-Benlien will be held Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 4PM at the Unity Terrace at Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home, 220 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201, celebrated by Pastor Jim Guenther. For those who are unable to attend, a live webcast will be available. To view this service, please visit http://www.dwyerfuneral.com/obituaries/permalink/10063682/LTWebcast In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to “The National Brain Tumor Society” in care of the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home, 220 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201, in her memory. Donations CANNOT be made online, but may be made through the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home.

Miss Jennifer Marie Tougas-Benlien

April 18, 1986 - July 20, 2021