Obituary for Mrs. Ann M. (Benusis) Parsons, age 97, late of Acton and a Cambridge, MA native:

Ann was the fifth of six children born to Anthony and Antonina (Strakauskas) Benusis; she was the last surviving sibling. After graduating from high school in 1939, she and Ralph Parsons were married that year. They moved from Cambridge to Acton in 1943 and raised their three sons there. Ralph died in 1970 and Ann lived as a widow in Acton, dying peacefully in her home on March 8, 2018.

For many years Ann was known in Acton as "the bike lady" as she rode her bicycle to church, stores and recreationally about town. She was an ardent gardener and knowledgeable birdwatcher. She also enjoyed hobbies of reading as well as knitting and crocheting clothing items for charitable organizations and for family members.

She is fondly remembered by her three sons as a doting mother who enabled and encouraged them to pursue significant educational and career achievements. She was an extraordinary devout Catholic who never missed a Mass and whose faith sustained her throughout her 97 year life span. She was a model of a good Catholic mother, and a model of a kind and loving family member and friend.

Relatives and friends are invited to the funeral Mass on Saturday, March 24th, 2018 at Noon in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 89 Arlington Street, Acton. All are welcome to a reception immediately following in St. Elizabeth's Parish Center adjacent to the church. Interment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to National Audubon Society, Attn Tribute Gifts, 225 Varick St, 7th Fl. ,New York, NY 10014; also online at www.audubon.org. Memorial page www. actonfuneralhome.com