Mrs. Nancy R. Benedict

Nancy R. Benedict, 98, of Richmond, MA, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on February 11, 2025. Nancy was born on November 30, 1926, to Ruth Sherrill Reynolds and Arthur Reynolds. She attended a one-room schoolhouse in Richmond and later graduated from Pittsfield High School. On June 30, 1951, she married Edward Benedict, her one true love. Their time together was cut short by his passing on October 12, 1994, but their bond remained strong in her heart. Nancy worked as an overnight telephone operator for the Richmond Telephone Company when the town still used party lines, before transitioning to an automated switchboard system in 1962. Later, she began working for the Community Health Association, where she remained until her retirement in 1993. Even in retirement, Nancy continued working at Bartlett’s Apple Orchard until 2019, when she retired at the age of 92. Bartlett’s was more than just a job to her—she loved the orchard, the Bartlett family, and the many people she met there, many of whom became dear friends. Nancy found joy in spending time with her family, reading, and caring for her expansive property. She especially enjoyed traveling adventures, including her trips to Maine and the ocean, which brought her great happiness throughout her life. She is survived by her children, Gary Benedict of Richmond, MA, Vicki Benedict of Troy, NY, Sally Chavarry of Richmond, MA, and Brian Benedict of South Thomaston, ME. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Jessica Bootman, Rebecca Burns, Jeremy Dus, Anthony Chavarry, Amy Chavarry, Christopher Benedict, and Brooke Cloutier, as well as her great-grandchildren, Shyann, AJ, Evelyn, Quinn, Carter, Emma, Grace, and Noelle. Nancy is also survived by her sister, Linda Davis of Needham, MA, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Edward, Nancy was predeceased by her siblings, Judith Hoermann, Carlton (Bud) Reynolds, and David Reynolds. Funeral Services: Funeral services for Nancy R. Benedict will be Friday, February 21, 2025, at 11am at the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home in Pittsfield, 220 East St., Pittsfield, MA, 01201. Burial will follow at Center Cemetery in Richmond. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 4pm to 6pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Anita Chapman Scholarship Fund (of which Nancy was a founding member) or the Richmond Library, which provided her with many hours of reading pleasure, in care of the Dwyer-Wellington Funeral Home.

Mrs. Nancy R. Benedict

November 30, 1926 - February 11, 2025