Anna Mae Bennett

Saratoga Springs Anna Mae Bennett, formerly of 9 Congress Ave., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2007, at Saratoga Hospital. She was 93. She was born on May 5, 1914, in one of the historic houses of Congress Avenue in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., the daughter of the late James and Frances (Carpenter) Sheeran. Anna Mae and her devoted husband, Ray, whom she married on Sept. 17, 1933, raised their three children at 9 Congress Ave., a home they shared for more than 60 years. Affectionately known as the "Mayor of Congressville," the spirited great-grandmother spent a dozen years trying to convince city officials that her neighborhood deserved historic recognition. Her efforts succeeded and an appropriate marker was erected in 1990. When asked during an interview if she would have changed anything in her life, she replied that she would have done nothing different, because she wouldn't be able to appreciate the things she had today. She believed and lived under three principles: love, forgiveness and kindness to others. Anna Mae began working at the age of 16 at Skidmore College as a waitress. She also served as a nurse's aide with the Saratoga chapter of the American Red Cross and at Saratoga Hospital. She was a member of the Home Bureau of the Saratoga County 4-H Co-Op, a charter member of the National Bottle Museum in Ballston Spa and had contributed many items pertaining to the local history of Congressville. Local skiers will remember Mrs. Bennett serving hot chocolate and snacks at Darrow's Ski Tow, located in Greenfield Center, N.Y. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Raymond H. Bennett Sr., who died on Dec. 16, 1996; one son, Raymond H. Bennett Jr.; one sister, Margaret Lloyd and one brother, James Sheeran. Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, James F. (Janet) Bennett of Saratoga Springs and William A. (Christie) Bennett of Queensbury; nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway (584-5373), where services will be conducted at noon. Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery, West Avenue. Memorials may be made in her name to the National Bottle Museum, 76 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuner alhome.com.