Obituary of Ruth Elizabeth Byrne

Ruth Elizabeth Byrne, 53, of Old Lyme, beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend died unexpectedly on Selden Island in Lyme on Sunday, November 6th; the eve of the 25th anniversary of her Selden Island Thanksgiving Celebration. Ruth was born on January 2, 1958; the daughter of Harriet "Betty" and the late Ross "Bud" L. Byrne of Old Saybrook. 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, CO where she earned a Masters 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 was 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. Ruth is survived by her loving daughter Lisa Weigle of Old Lyme, her loving partner Mark Benedict of Essex, her mother Harriet Byrne of Old Saybrook, brother Ross Byrne and his wife Gosia Holszanska of Lyme, 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. Her loving spirit will continue through her family and many friends. A memorial service will take place Friday November 11th at 4 PM at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, 2 Ferry Rd in Old Lyme.