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Benjamin Wordell Obituary
May 5, 2001 – November 30, 2020
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the unexpected passing of Benjamin M. Wordell of Little Compton on November 30th at the age of 19. He will be remembered lovingly by his parents Russell and Suzette Wordell, his grandmother Nancy Lambert (Nan), his uncle Peter Lambert, his aunt Nicolette Pratt, a large and loving extended family, and many close friends. He was predeceased by his grandfather Romeo Lambert (Pepere).
Even though Ben's time with us was short, he touched the lives of many and accomplished much. He loved to smile, laugh, and would talk to anyone. As a child, he dabbled in many sports, art lessons, piano, trumpet playing, and even composed his own songs. For high school sports, he played tennis and track & field and was on the student council. His most favorite activity was Irish dance, which he did for 13 years. Ben traveled throughout the United States, Canada, and Ireland, winning hundreds of competitions and placing in every major competition he entered, including placing as one of the top 20 male Irish dancers in the world.
Ben was a faithful Catholic who attended St. Philomena's School and altar serving for 8 years. He graduated from Tiverton High School in 2019 and was currently a student at Rhode Island College in the Bachelor of Social Work program. Two weeks ago, Ben was inducted into the National Society for Leadership and Success and expected to begin a social work internship through Bradley/Lifespan in January.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Church, Little Compton, on Friday, December 4 at 10 am. Interment to follow at Pocasset Hill Cemetery, Tiverton. Due to current RI COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no calling hours. In place of flowers, please consider a donation to Bradley Hospital at https://www.bradleyhospital.org/Giving-to-Bradley-Hospital in Ben's memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Wordell
January 6, 2021
Words can not express how much I miss you, I send my deepest condolences to the family, Ben was always looking out for others and I know God gained a special angel.
Anonymous
December 9, 2020
I’ll never forget the times we had together, and a hole will always exist in my reality without you. I’m not religious, but I know you were, so I’m sending a prayer and hope you know I’m thinking about you and the other lives you touched.
Paige Goulart
December 6, 2020
I am so very sorry for your loss! I remember Ben from St. Philomena School where I often substituted for him. He was a few years behind my children. Thoughts and prayers are with you. I’m so sorry for your loss...
Anne and Mary-Kate Fox
December 5, 2020
Our hearts are heavy. In the years we shared in the Irish dance world, we appreciated Ben’s joy, energy, and talent. His beautiful smile and kind spirit were a gift to all those around him. Please know that our prayers are with you.
O’Shea Chaplin Academy
December 5, 2020
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Ben, please know everyone at the O’Shea Chaplin Academy of Irish Dance is think of him and your family. Sending prayers your way.
Juanita Goulart
December 5, 2020
Dear Russell and Suzette, I am deeply saddened by your son Ben’s death. May your faith and the support of family and community be a comfort to you in the difficult days ahead. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Leah Erickson
December 5, 2020
My heart goes out to Suzette and Russell. My daughter Alyx attended St Phil’s with Ben, and then later, RIC. They had a great bond when they were kids, and when they reconnected, it was as though no time had passed at all. They had the most magical, silly, and profound times together freshman year, embarking on young adulthood together, and that is a gift she will always treasure. We couldn’t face attending the service, it would have been too painful. But we spend lots of time talking about him. The thing about Ben is, there is ALWAY another story, another memory, even when you think there aren’t anymore. Then you suddenly remember something else that makes you smile or laugh out loud. Like finding a shiny coin when you thought your pocket was empty. Ben truly did fill our pockets with riches before he went. So we won’t ever be without.
Christina Hallman
December 5, 2020
Words can not help ease your pain, please know you are in my heart and thoughts during this difficult time.
Marjory O’Toole
December 5, 2020
Dear Russell and Suzette, I am deeply saddened by the loss of your child and offer my sincere sympathy and prayers for healing and peace. Yours, Marjory O’Toole
Deanna Clougherty
December 4, 2020
Suzette-
We are heartbroken to learn of Ben’s passing. We feel so fortunate to have known him. He was such a sweet guy and one of the nicest competitors Meg had the pleasure to compete with. You and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tim, Deanna, Meg and Declan Clougherty
Molly Edwards
December 4, 2020
Dear Suzette,
When I think back to my last few years of Irish dance, I remember Ben as my adorable side kick. He was a beautifully happy kid. I loved seeing pictures of him winning competitions pop up while I was away at college. I will always remember him as the goofy little kid that enjoyed listening to Maroon 5 with me while eating Frosty Freez. I am truly sorry for your loss and I pray that you and your family find peace. Ben was and will always be loved.
Lee Anne Watt
December 4, 2020
I am absolutely devastated to hear of Ben's passing. He and my daughter Heather were friends and competed together at many feisanna. I am so very sorry to hear he passed away. My heart breaks for Suzette and his family. Rest in Peace Ben. We will miss your smiling face.
2013 NE Oireachtas Champion
Tara Olivier
December 4, 2020
Suzette,
We are truly heartbroken over the loss of Ben. We will never forget his commitment to dance. He loved performing and lit up the room when he took the stage. He had such a contagious smile and kept us all laughing at every class. And of course his talents speak for themselves. But most notably, Ben was such a kind boy. We will always remember his smile when he entered class, and a thank you every time he left. He was a cherished member of our dance family and the memories of him will live on with his dance friends and teachers forever.
With our deepest sympathy,
Maura and Tara Nevin, and the Nevin Academy dancers
Kim McKillop
December 4, 2020
Dear Suzette and family,
Sometimes there are no words. We were heartbroken to hear about your loss of Ben. For so many years we shared pride with our children dancing together. We will cherish our memories of him and his exuberant spirit. May you keep the happiest of memories of your beautiful boy. With love, Kim, Paul and Orla
Nancy Warren
December 4, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
My brother, "Flip" is a long time friend of Russell. I did not have the pleasure and privilege of meeting Benjamin. I learned about his life by what I’ve read in his obituary. I know what it is like to lose a loved one unexpectedly. I can’t begin to understand what his family and friends are experiencing. My condolences go out to everyone who grieves him.
Nancy Warren
December 4, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sr. Ann Marie Walsh, FCJ
December 3, 2020
Dear Suzette and Russell, I am so sorry to hear of Ben's death and send you my deep sympathy and promise of prayers. I am pleading with God to help you through these very difficult days, May your faith, your family and friends be a real support for you. With you from a distance. Blessings, Sr. Ann Marie Walsh, FCJ (former Principal at St. Philomena School)
Jane Driscoll
December 3, 2020
Dear Suzette and Family,
We will never forget Ben’s contagious smile and good nature. Nor will we forget his talented dancing and spirited personality. I hope his memories, like this picture, will bring you some comfort at this time and bring a smile to your face. I loved looking for these old dance pictures and bringing back these sweet memories. God bless you and your family. May Ben rest in peace and dance his way into heaven!
CHRISTINE GOODWIN
December 3, 2020
My condolences go to Russell and his wife and family Ben was a fine person always smiled at my mom God bless you all
Sherry Arlia-Puhacz (RIASP)
December 3, 2020
Suzette & Russell,
May you both cherish all of the great memories you were able to make and share with Ben. He was such a talented, personable and caring individual. May God wrap his arms around both of you during this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Doreen Frazier
December 3, 2020
Suzette,
No amount of words will ease the pain you are feeling. May God's love bring you some comfort. I am so sorry for your loss.
Doreen Frazier
Gadialys Matos
December 3, 2020
Mr. and Mrs. Wordell,
I can’t begin to imagine what you guys are going through and in the little time that I knew Ben he made me laugh in class in our First Year Seminar at RIC. My condolences to you and your family on this hard times. May Ben Rest In Peace and I will remember him always!
Melissa & Miranda Hogan
December 3, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Lori & Michael Hrycin II
December 3, 2020
Dear Russell & Suzette,
We are so sorry for the loss of Ben, please accept our sincere condolences. May God bring you everlasting comfort to your hearts sand give you the strength to endure this difficult time. Thinking and praying for you.
Love
Jerry Conlan
December 3, 2020
I am really sorry to hear about Ben’s passing. I remember him well in St.Philomena’s. He was in Amies class. She is really upset. He was a lovely boy, full of life and kindness. He had amazing talent at the dancing. My heart goes out to you all. I will have mass said for his soul and for your family in Our Lady and St.David’s Church, NAAS , Co.Kildare,Ireland.
Joan Lambert Graves
December 3, 2020
r.i.p. always
Bailey Driscoll
December 3, 2020
Suzette and Family,
I will always cherish the memories I have with Ben in dance class. There was never a dull moment whenever he was around, and he was such a light even when things were serious - he could get a laugh out of anyone. I enjoyed watching him get better and better and never give up. The world took him too quickly. I hope he is dancing on the clouds in heaven and I can’t wait to see him again one day. Sending love and prayers to you all in this really difficult time. ❤
Laura Williams
December 3, 2020
Ben was such a sweet kid, always smiling and making us laugh. I am so grateful that I got the chance to grow up with him from Kindergarten to 7th grade. He never failed to make me smile and laugh. Thank you for the amazing memories Ben, I’ll cherish them forever. I love you angel, Rest In Peace
Paul & Jeanne Wordell
December 3, 2020
Russell our deepest sympathy to you and your wife. Losing a love one at such a young age is heartbreaking.
The Lehane Family
December 3, 2020
Suzette and Family,
We are heartbroken about Ben. We will always cherish the times he Irish danced with our daughters with megawatt smile and talent. He will be greatly missed. We send along our deepest condolences and prayers for peace and strength at this very difficult time.
With Love Always,
Rob, Jean
Bobby Mary Kerry and Meghan
Samantha Hedden
December 3, 2020
There was a light, a sparkle inside
A glow that frustration could never deny
A kindness, a love, an eagerness to start
A dance that will forever keep you in our hearts.
Ted and Deb Wordell
December 3, 2020
Russell, Suzette and family Our deepest sympathy to all may you’re memories help to heal your pain and grieving hearts ❤
Elysia
December 3, 2020
I didn’t know Ben long but he was a really quirky soul and had a ton of personality. His death is truly a loss.
Britney
December 3, 2020
I’ve never met Benjamin, I know nothing of him or his life except for what I’ve read in his obituary. But I know what it is like to lose a friend and loved one unexpectedly. I can’t fathom what his family and friends are experiencing, my condolences go out to everyone who grieves him
Donna Sweet
December 3, 2020
Suzette and Russell,
I am deeply saddened by your loss and have you in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I could lighten your sorrow and pain during this difficult time. Much love and sympathy to you and your family.
Liza Moniz
December 2, 2020
Ben was a smart, funny beautiful soul.....He will be missed by so many! I’m
Glad we had a chance to know him! And we will see him again someday! Fly high with the Angels Ben. We love you!! .
The Byrne family
December 2, 2020
Ben, you were such an amazing person. We love you so much.
Marjorie Zambrana, Cami, and Joe Welch
December 2, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. May Ben dance with angels forever.
Tonya Murray
December 2, 2020
Russell & Suzette
No amount of words can express the pain you are going through. My heart breaks for you and your family during this tragic time. My deepest sympathy.
Tonya Murray
Callie Moran
December 2, 2020
Mr. and Mrs. Wordell,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this trying time. I didn’t know your son particularly well. However, every time I encountered him he was so friendly, you couldn’t help but smile. Ben truly was a special person that brought joy to everyone he crossed paths with!
God Bless you and your family,
-Callie
Madison Hamlin
December 2, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Such a kind soul. Peace and love.
Angel Trenholme
December 2, 2020
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. My God watch over you through this very difficult time.
Aidan McCrosson
December 2, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Hope you all feel better after all this stuff. - Aidan McCrosson (11th Grade)
Lori Panell
December 2, 2020
Suzette & Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Michelle Newbury
December 2, 2020
Suzette, we are so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Leslie Bogle Wilson
December 2, 2020
Keith and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Russell and Suzette. You are in our prayers!
Aidan McCrosson
December 2, 2020
Ben was a great friend for everyone. Thank you Ben for everything, you will never be forgotten. Please accept my condolences on this very terrible loss. God bless you guys.
Joanna Thomas
December 2, 2020
We didn’t know Ben personally but we have a son at Tiverton high school. We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to the whole of the family
jhay
December 2, 2020
Ben’s name will live on and the love i have for him will never ever die. His smile will always be remembered as to unforgettable memories we shared that will always be carried in my heart. You are missed and will never be forgotten. Rest up Champ! I love you!
jhay
December 2, 2020
Ben’s name will live on and the love i have for him will never ever die. His smile will always be remembered as to unforgettable memories we shared that will always be carried in my heart. You are missed and will never be forgotten. Rest up Champ! I love you!
-my sincere condolences to Bens family! God Bless.
jay
December 2, 2020
Ben’s name will live on and the love i have for him will never ever die. His smile will always be remembered as to unforgettable memories we shared that will always be carried in my heart. You are missed and will never be forgotten. Rest up Champ! I love you!
-my sincere condolences to Bens family! God Bless.
jay
December 2, 2020
Ben’s name will live on and the love i have for him will never ever die. His smile will always be remembered as to unforgettable memories we shared that will always be carried in my heart. You are missed and will never be forgotten. Rest up Champ! I love you!
-my sincere condolences to Bens family! God Bless.
December 2, 2020
I only knew Ben for a short time, but he was such an amazing and outgoing person. He was such an understanding person and put other people’s needs before his own
Mary Salvadore Goodison
December 2, 2020
Suzette,
I am so very sorry about the loss of your son. My deepest, heart felt, condolences go out to you.
Ashley Ogunlesi
December 2, 2020
Mrs Wordell,
Words cannot express the sorrow your family must be going through. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. My god continue to wrap his arms around you and comfort you always. If you need anything do not hesitate to let us all know.
Love the Sanford and Ogunlesi families
Caroline A Mellen
December 2, 2020
Mr and Mrs Wordell, I am truly sorry for your loss. Unfortunately I know by personal experience exactly what you are going through. There is nothing anyone can say or do to make you feel better. All I can say is keep your memories alive and know your son is at peace.
Sincerely,
Caroline Mellen,
Jacob and Mary Johnsons mom
mackenzie silveira
December 2, 2020
we were friends at saint philomena school and he was always so nice and understanding to everyone. he was taken way too soon but is in a better place. my thoughts and prayers are with your family. sending love
Eric
December 2, 2020
You were a great person/friend, I’ll always cherish the moments we had. Forever and ever
December 2, 2020
The Rhode Island College community lost a very special member. Our thoughts are with Ben's family. Sending love, prayers and strength to all he touched.
Meghan O’Hearn
December 2, 2020
Dear Mr and Mrs Wordell,
I can’t begin to imagine what you’re going through right now. Ben was the brightest star I’ve ever met. Having the privilege to dance with him for so long is one I’ll never take for granted. He was the kindest soul and always made me feel loved. RIC, Tiverton High, and especially St Phil’s, have all been touched by his kindness and positivity. He’s with God now and watching down on all of you. My deepest condolences are with you and all other friends and family.
Meghan O’Hearn
Lucas Berge
December 2, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. My deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Dawn Sanford
December 2, 2020
Ben always had the greatest smile when you would see him. He was always so friendly and kind. He made an impression on the people he met with how sociable he was
Anja Bjornson
December 2, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss Mr. and Mrs. Wordell. I have fond memories of Ben at both St. Phil’s and Tiverton schools. I pray that he’s at peace now. My family is no stranger to loss, and I hope that you find comfort in knowing that he’s with God. You have my deepest condolences.
Anja Bjornson
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