Anne Shirley Bennett's Obituary
Anne Shirley Bennett (nee Duckett) passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at 95 years old, in Marlton NJ. Anne, beloved to all and known to many in the community as Guppie, was born on February 16, 1928 in Collingswood, NJ to Albert A. and Anna C. Duckett. Anne grew up in Haddonfield NJ and attended Moorestown Friends School. Following graduation, she attended Northwestern University; always athletic and social, she was an avid field hockey player, and served as team captain in the National Field Hockey Championships. She received her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern in 1950. After graduation, Anne married her college sweetheart Dean C Pieper (who predeceased her in death), and started a family in Monmouth, Illinois. Soon after, she returned to Haddonfield to raise her family as the 4th generation to be established in that township, becoming a loving mother to Nancy, Susan, Dean, Jr. and Karen, as well as to a son Richard who passed in infancy.
Family was at the center of Anne’s life, and while Haddonfield was home base, summer for the family belonged to the NJ shore. Anne was a lifetime lover of the beach and boardwalk, and passed that experience on to her children and grandchildren, who have many fond memories of hot Ocean City days with her.
The restaurants that they frequented – at the shore, in Haddonfield and in Marlton- became family favorites. Anne extended her heart to the staff of many of these family gathering places over the years, forming friendships based on her deep caring for people in her community. She liked to know what was going on, and shared the good and the bad with her broad network of friends.
Anne was always enmeshed in competitive sports. Once her kids were school age, Anne served as a physical education instructor for the Willingboro School District. She played tennis regularly, through the US Tennis Association- Anne loved to compete, and loved the community of competitors. She shared her love of sports with her family, and was a consistent cheerleader at her grandchildren’s’ games. Anne was an enthusiastic participant on many family treks in support of tournament sports, most particularly for her grandkids’ soccer and hockey travel teams.
Anne’s love for community extended beyond people. Those who knew her often heard tales of her pets, and of the comings and goings of the birds that she watched with such great attention and captivation. As a girl, she raised ducks and rabbits, and told the most wonderful stories of their antics. Anne taught her children and grandchildren to love animals through many years of pets- whether they lived in the house or were roaming strays, Anne never failed to care for an animal. In younger days, she bred and showed collies and - as she got older- Himalayan cats. These pets were her friends also, and feature prominently in the vibrant and loving memories of her surviving family.
Anne Bennett, loving and much-loved matriarch, is survived by four children: Nancy Morgan (Ed), Susan Pieper, Dean Pieper Jr. (Kathy) and Karen Graham (Steve); six grandchildren: Liz Dallas (Robert), Michael Pieper (Brandy), Ashley (S/O – Kody), Casey (S/O – Shannon) , Justin and Cody Graham; seven great grandchildren: Jackson, Iain, Quincy and Whittaker Dallas (we call her Gramie!) and Jackson, Owen & Lincoln Pieper. She was predeceased in death by a son Richard Pieper and grandson Christoper Pieper.
A gathering of family friends will be held Saturday January 6, 2024 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Givnish of Marlton 398 East Main Street, Anne’s Funeral Service will begin at 3:30 p.m.
A family grave side service will be planned at a later date.
If so desired, memorial contributions in Anne’s name may be made to the National Audubon Society or Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge.
To share your fondest memories of Anne, please visit www.givnish.com
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