Joyce Ann Bennett

Joyce Ann Bennett, 80, of Manchester, died peacefully on February 20, 2013 at her home surrounded by her loving family, following a brief illness.

She was born in Springfield, MA on September 6, 1932, the daughter of Willard and Ann (Boylan) Richardson. She was raised and educated in Manchester. She married Edward B. Bennett in 1950 and had been a loving wife, mother and homemaker to her seven children. When her youngest daughter grew up, Joyce stepped out into the workforce and into the field of retail. She thoroughly loved helping others, whether at her job at the Big L Pharmacy or at Lenscrafters. Upon retirement, she kept busy being there for her family. She looked forward to her walks at the Mall of NH and seeing all her friends and acquaintances.

Family members include her husband Edward of 63 years, seven children; Nancy Hartwell and her husband Julian of Litchfield, Douglas Bennett and his wife Suzanne of Hampton, Tom Bennett and his wife Eileen of Lee, James Bennett and his wife Paula of Manchester, Robert Bennett of Manchester, and Chuck Bennett and his wife Denise of Manchester; and Gail Ryan and her husband Chris of MA; twelve grandchildren, Juston, Michael, Andrew, Samuel, Max, Evan, Sarah, Zachary, Cole, Emily, China, Lily; and several nephews, nieces and cousins.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:30 AM in St. Raphael Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Sisters of the Precious Blood Monastery, 700 Bridge St., Manchester, NH 03104. Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Manchester, is in charge of arrangements. For more information or to view an on-line Tribute, go to www.phaneuf.net .