WESTFIELD – Anne J. Bennett, 98, passed away Monday, January 7, 2013 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Born in Westfield on January 22, 1914, she was just shy of her 99th birthday. Anne was the daughter of the late Ralph and Lucy (Fabringia) Rasta.She was a lifelong resident of Westfield. Anne attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and St. Mary’s High School where she graduated in 1932. She later co-owned and operated Rasta’s Variety Store on Elm Street in Westfield for over 60 years. Anne was a communicant of St. Mary’s Parish, Westfield. Anne was an avid Red Sox fan and was very happy when they won the world series.
She is survived by two daughters, MaryAnne Templeman from Springfield and Lucy Discenza and her husband Richard from Westfield; two granddaughters, Beth Templeman and Marie Discenza; one very special nephew, Stephen Cressotti, as well as several other nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Anne was predeceased by two brothers, Theodore Rasta and Anthony Rasta and one sister, Mary Cressotti.
A Liturgy of Christian Burial will take place Monday, January 14th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, Bartlett Street with burial to follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, both in Westfield. Calling Hours are Sunday from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the Robert E Cusack Funeral Home, 94 Main Street, (Route 20), Westfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Anne’s memory to St. Mary’s Building and Renovation Fund, 30 Bartlett Street, Westfield, MA 01085 or Joslin Diabetes Center, Development Office, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215.
