Ruth F. Sorel Annis, 78
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Ruth Frances Sorel Annis, 78, of St. Joseph's Court died Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield.Born in North Adams on Oct. 9, 1936, daughter of Franklin E. Perras and Pearl Burdick Perras Briggs, and stepdaughter of Lawrence Briggs, she grew up in the town of Florida and was a graduate of the Drury High School class of 1954.
Mrs. Annis worked as a caregiver for several area families before becoming a homemaker and raising her four children.
During her younger years, she was a dedicated auxiliary member with the Hinsdale Fire Department. She enjoyed watching nature programs and old movies, as well as crocheting, playing piano, and tending to her flowers and plants. Special occasions and backyard cookouts with nieces and nephews brought her much happiness. But it was the quiet visits with grandchildren that brought her the most joy. Hearing about their daily lives and adventures made her increasingly proud of each one of them.
While residing at St. Joseph's Court, she was blessed to have the company of both new friends and childhood cousins. She spent much of her time laughing with them and reminiscing over her fondest years of growing up on Florida Mountain. She loved them all.
She leaves two sons, Jamie E. Sorel of Linden, N.C., and Joel A. Sorel of Cheshire; and two daughters, Jody L. Mason of Melbourne, Fla., and Rebecca L. Cole and her husband, Gerald E. Cole III, if Adams; her sister, Florence Proulx of Dracut; her brother, Franklin Perras of North Adams; seven grandchildren Kathleen Sorel, Kaylee and Brandon Sorel, Diana and Sydney Mason, Whitney and Megan Cole.
She was pre-deceased by her sister Clara Lewis and brother Lawrence Perras, as well as two stepsiblings Mildred Fessenden and Robert Briggs.
FUNERAL NOTICE — The funeral for Mrs. Annis will be Wednesday, Oct. 29, noon at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams, officiated by the Rev. Roy Burdick. Burial will follow in the Florida Church Cemetery.
Calling hours will be Wednesday morning from 10 to noon at the funeral home.