Ruth Elizabeth Byrne, 53, Old Lyme, formerly of Old Saybrook
Ruth Elizabeth Byrne, 53, of Old Lyme, beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend died unexpectedly on Selden Island in Lyme on Nov. 6, the eve of the 25th anniversary of her Selden Island Thanksgiving Celebration. Ruth was born on Jan. 2, 1958, daughter of Harriet “Betty” Byrne of Old Saybrook and the late Ross L. “Bud” Byrne. She grew up in the Ayers Point neighborhood of Old Saybrook where she enjoyed many outdoor adventures with her friends.
Ruth graduated from Old Saybrook High School and Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, Colorado, where she earned a master’s degree in exercise physiology. Ruth’s love of the river, which was inspired by her father, led her to pursue a lengthy career in hydrographic surveying with her sister Nancy.
Ruth’s feisty spirit and generous nature were always present in the community. Her greatest joy in life was sharing travel and adventures with her daughter Lisa whom she adored. Whether it was hiking, biking, dancing, or learning the fiddle, Ruth always lived life to the fullest. Her loving spirit will continue through her family and many friends.
Besides her mother, Ruth is survived by her loving daughter, Lisa Weigle of Old Lyme; her loving partner, Mark Benedict of Essex; her brother, Ross Byrne and his wife Gosia Holszanska of Lyme; her sister, Nancy Byrne and her partner Julie Flagg of Chester; niece Alina Byrne and nephew Devin Byrne of Lyme; as well as her beloved dogs, Sadie and Daisy.
A memorial service will take place on Friday, Nov. 11, at 4 p.m., at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, 2 Ferry Rd., Old Lyme. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Lisa Weigle College Fund, c/o Essex Savings Bank, PO Box 529, Old Lyme, CT 06371, or to Lisa Weigle, c/o First Niagara Bank, 9 Water St., Chester, CT 06412. The Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook, is in charge of arrangements. To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.rwwfh.com.