Ruth Elisabeth Bennett

1926 - 2018

Ruth Elisabeth (Syrjanen) Bennett
of Fitchburg, MA; 92

Ruth Elisabeth (Syrjanen) Bennett, 92, of Fitchburg, MA, died on September 1, 2018, in her home surrounded by her family.

She was born on August 7, 1926, in Fitchburg to parents Emil and Annie (Syrjala) Syrjanen. She was the youngest of six children (Esther Wiinikka, Ellen, Waino, Eino, and Rudy Syrjanen) and is pre-deceased by all of her siblings. She was married to Theodore S. Bennett on May 22, 1948, for 58 years, until his death on January 2, 2007.

Ruth graduated from Fitchburg High School - Class of 1944. Her first job was at Simonds Saw & Steel. She then worked as secretary for several businesses; worked in the medical records department at Burbank Hospital; and worked for many years at Craine Travel Services. She was a member of the Elm Street Congregational Church. She volunteered her time and talents in church-related activities and in the schools her children attended. She was first and foremost a much-loved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She leaves five children - Marcia (Bennett) Hebert and husband Raymond of Shirley, MA; Richard Bennett and wife Rita of Manassas, VA; Scott Bennett and wife Debby of Bradford, MA; Jeffrey Bennett and wife Tracey of Lincoln, MA; and Douglas Bennett of Fitchburg. She also leaves nine grandchildren - Jonathan (and Ai) Hebert; Jennifer (and Ron) Bialobrzeski; Melissa Bennett; Matthew (and Victoria) Bennett; Kristin McSheehy; Ryan (and Christine) McSheehy; Amanda Bennett; Nathan Bennett and Emily Bennett - and three great-grandchildren - William, Andrew, and Christian Bialobrzeski. She also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, and good friends. Her large and ever-growing family was the most important thing in her life - bringing her great joy until her last days.

BENNETT - There will be a Celebration of Ruth's Life on October 18, 2018, beginning at 3:00 in the afternoon at the Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley. There will be a private burial at the Winchendon Veteran's Cemetery where she will join her husband, Ted.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ruth's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Shiners' Hospital for Children.