Anne Roland, known to most as Rusti, passed away on January 14.
Rusti was born in Brooklyn, New York, on February 25, 1941, and grew up in Boston. She and her husband, Morris Bennett, moved to Pittsfield in 1964, originally intending to stay for a year or two, but the Berkshires quickly became their home and they never looked back.
She graduated from the Massachusetts College of Art in 1962, where, in her first year, she met Morris. They knew they were kindred spirits when they both recognized the music of Carmina Burana. It was an art school romance that lasted for 67 years.
Rusti was an artist who primarily worked in colored pencil. She loved gardening and flowers, and this was reflected in many of her paintings.
She loved to read and could often be found browsing the new arrivals section at the Berkshire Atheneum. She was a devoted walker, neighbors will remember seeing Rusti and Morris walking together in the neighborhood and around town even during much of the winter. She loved cats, especially Siamese. Her cat, Leonardo, was a comfort to her these last difficult months.
Very family-oriented, Rusti hosted many family reunions as well as Thanksgiving gatherings.
Rusti had a lasting impact on people and a special way of connecting. She attributed this to her upbringing and to her parents, Betty and Sid Roland, who taught their children the importance of respect for others. This value, along with her own personal sense of spirituality, guided her throughout life.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Morris; children Melissa and her husband Jim Mason, Joshua and his wife Gayle Bennett, and Stephanie Bennett and her husband Foster Gilbert; her sister Jane; grandchildren Michelle, Ryan and Noah; special cousin Joan; and other dear cousins, friends, and extended family.
The family thanks Kimball Farms Nursing Care Center where she spent several months under their loving care, going above and beyond, not only to keep her comfortable but when time permitted in their busy schedules to sit and talk.
There will be no gathering or service. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations in Rusti's memory may be made to the Berkshire Atheneum at
https://www.pittsfieldlibrary.org/support/donate
Anne Florence “Rusti” Roland -- May her memory be a blessing.