Blanche Bennett, 91

ASHLEY FALLS, Mass. — Blanche "Aunty Bea" Bennett, 91, a longtime resident of Ashley Falls, Mass., passed away on September 18, 2017.

Born October 4, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Hazel and Rupert Stevens. "Aunty Bea" worked for the Postal Department as clerk and then Postmaster for over 30 years in the Ashley Falls Post Office. She also worked at Maplewood Fabrics, took care of many children, and helped her husband run their plumbing company in Norfolk, Conn.

After retiring from the Post Office, Aunty Bea opened a rug braiding shop at her home, and taught many how to braid rugs; she also made rugs for people all over the country, and as far away as Japan.  

Aunty Bea was a long-time member of the Ashley Falls Methodist Church, as well as the Old Parish Church in Sheffield. She was a member of the former Sheffield Grange #224 for over 35 years, a member of the Sheffield Historical Society, Trustees of Reservations and Friends of the Senior Center in Sheffield. Blanche and her husband, Bill, took great pride in caring for the Ashley Falls Cemetery.

She will be missed for her strength, love and generosity. She loved her home, her family, and her many friends.  Her pride and joy was her grandniece Bethany. She was cared for over the years by her niece Deborah and her husband David Rhoades.

Blanche is survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, as well as friends.

She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Charles “Bill” Bennett; brothers Frederick and Donald; and sisters Evelyn and Inez.

Funeral notice: The funeral service will be held on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017, at 1 p.m. at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington, conducted by Rev. Jill Graham. The family will receive friends on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home in Great Barrington. 

Donations in memory of Blanche may be made to the Sheffield Volunteer Fire Department, Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Squad or HospiceCare in the Berkshires through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230.