Deborah A. Hansen-Benn Obituary
Deborah A. (Reardon) Hansen-Benn, 73, of Gloucester, wife of Nicholas Benn, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Mass General Brigham Hospital in Boston. Nick and their son, William Hansen, were at her side, holding her hands.
She was born in Gloucester, MA, on November 12, 1952, daughter of the late Harry J. Reardon Jr. and Dorothy A. (Maskell) Reardon (Perkio).
Deb lived with Pulmonary Fibrosis for about twelve years and passed away due to complications with a lung transplant.
A graduate of Gloucester High School, Class of 1971, she later attended North Shore Community College, pursuing a business degree.
Throughout her life, Deb worked in many roles on Cape Ann—as a waitress, hostess, and bartender at various restaurants. She also served the Gloucester Police Department as an auxiliary police officer and as Assistant to the Chief of Police. She later enjoyed a seventeen-year career as a letter carrier at the Rockport Post Office. Deb was endlessly creative—a house painter, belly dancer, kids party clown, seamstress, baker, florist, gardener and self-taught silversmith and jewelry craftsman.
In 2000, Deb and Nick sold their home on Russell Ave. and purchased the Seven South Street Inn in Rockport—fulfilling a lifelong dream of hers. Over the next twenty-two years, they rebuilt, refurbished, and lovingly redecorated the Inn, transforming it into an award-winning bed and breakfast. Its renowned four-course gourmet breakfast, prepared by Deb and her staff, became a signature experience. She was truly in her element. After 22 years running the Inn, Deb and Nick retired and moved back to Gloucester.
She is survived by her husband of 29 years (39 years together), Nick; her son William Hansen and his wife, Theresa McGovern; and her beloved grandsons, Theo and Nate Hansen. She also leaves her brother David and his wife Peggy Reardon; her sister Diana and her husband Ralph Whitten; sister-in-law Linda (Harry Joe) Reardon; brother-in-law Chris and his wife Mary Benn; sister-in-law Gabrielle and her husband Mark Sherman; six nieces, six nephews, and many cousins. She was deeply loved and respected by all who knew her.
In keeping with her wishes, there will be no formal service or wake.
A Celebration of Life will be held for all to share their love for Deb on December 14, 2025 from 12 PM – 4 PM at the Amaral-Bailey American Legion, 14 Church Street, Manchester, MA 01944.
