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Ruth Smith Obituary
She had been active in the community for many years as a volunteer serving on the Eastern Connecticut Area Agency on Aging and the Norwich Senior Center, where she helped seniors understand their Medicare benefits, on the Norwich AARP Board of Directors as assistant treasurer, and as a member of the Permanent Commission for Senior Citizens in Ledyard.
Phyllis was born Nov. 13, 1931, in Acton Mass., the daughter of Vernon and Dorothy Smith.
She had been married to James French, USN, from Concord, Mass., for 44 years.
She is survived by her son, Steven French of Norwich, daughter, Debra Hanley of Fairfax, Va., daughter, Sherrie Biscuti of Noank, son, Dennis French of Seneca, S.C., daughter, Denise French-Fater of Savannah, Ga.; six grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23, at the United Methodist Church of Gales Ferry, 10 Chapman Lane.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Center for Hospice Care of Southeast Connecticut, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360. We are so grateful to this wonderful organization for making it possible for mom to live comfortably and peacefully at home these past few weeks.
Please visit www.byles.com for directions, to sign her guest book or to share a memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruth Smith
Carol Guffy
February 27, 2013
To the children and family of Phyllis ... a very special lady. I only had the pleasure of her smile and little wisdoms one day a well when I used to deliver meals to her through TVCCA, but I will forever remember the joy I had in that very short weekly visit. I recall with a smile, how thrilled she was to enjoy her 80th birthday "flings" as she called them... sharing all the pictures of her family and friends from those events. I will miss her and her family will be held in my prayers for peace and comfort in the coming days.
Lois Moore
February 24, 2013
Smith Family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Her friends saw her as a woman with a strong spirit as she was able to manage life's adversities with such determination and courage. We were in awe of her. She brought so much joy to the Ladies Who Lunch Round Table, as well as the loving hugs that welcomed you as you entered the sanctuary on Sunday morning at church.
May you be blessed with the warmth of your family as you mourn.
Lois and Bill Moore
Sylvia McCain
February 23, 2013
I wish that I COULD Be there in person to give you my love and share your sorrow. I will miss my dear friend. She will be in my prayers always.
February 21, 2013
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
February 21, 2013
My heart goes out to you all. I remember how close our moms were. Gail Stebbins Connor
February 20, 2013
Smith family,
You're in my thoughts and prayers. I'm very sorry for your loss and I know it's hard. Fortunately, we have the wonderful hope of seeing our loved one again, according to the scriptures. May this good news, as well as the memories of Ruth comfort you during these times.
February 19, 2013
To the family - I met Phyllis over 17 years ago when I took over the health insurance counseling and assistance program (now CHOICES) for the state. I not only would see her at trainings but since I also reside in Ledyard I saw her often at activities around town and having breakfast or lunch at a local restaurant. She was always a delight and we spoke each and every time we saw each other. Such a wonderful lady. So sad to watch the passing of people who have become friends through this program.
David & Sharon Keller
February 18, 2013
I was heart broken to hear the news of My Godmother passing today from my mother,Ms Bonnie Keller..My wife and I want to let her children and the rest of the family know we are keeping all of yall in our prayers down here in Virginia...We both enjoyed our visit with her and Debbie a few years ago while In Connecticut....We will always keep you Mother in our prayers and in our heart....May God Bless you all in the coming days...
Sylvia McCain
February 15, 2013
I will miss my dear friend. My sympathies to her family and friends.
James Di Marco
February 14, 2013
Steve, Debra, Sheri, & Denise,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have nothing but sweet & beautiful memories of your mom and cherrished every moment I was able to spend with her and the family. I still have and still use the Quilt that she made from all of my favorite shirts and pants. She was a very special person and I will miss her dearly. I am so sorry but at the moment I have another scheduled obligation that will prevent me from attending the service. But maybe we all can get together or at least get in touch in the future.
Kathy Starke
February 14, 2013
Sherri, Dennis and family: Thinking of you in your time of sorrow.
Nancy Shafman Kramer
February 13, 2013
Sherrie and family,
I am very sorry for the loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
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