Ruth Arlene Piccot, 95, died Saturday, February 2, 2013, at St. Mary's Hospital in Waterbury. She was born December 14, 1917, in Bridgeport, the daughter of the late William M. and Catherine (Moran) Bennett. She lived and attended school there, graduating from Central High School in 1934. She married George Frank Piccot in 1940 and lived thereafter in Easton, Bridgeport and Newtown before settling in Southbury in 1972.

For many years she helped her husband run his contracting business. Later, an innate talent for words and music blossomed, she learned to play her Hammond organ, and then began a labor of love that continued for thirty years during which time she wrote trunk-loads of ballads, blues, hymns, and children's songs; her favorites were "Independent Me" and "Streets of Yesterday". As recently as the day before her death, she was at her music-room desk, organizing and improving her compositions. All those who knew her marveled at her sharp intellect, spirit, wit, determination and positive attitude to the very end.

She is survived by her daughters, Corinne Mirabilio and husband, Michael, of Litchfield; Louise Jacques and husband, Warren, of Trumbull; Yvonne Piccot of Southbury; 13 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren who adored her, and to whom she was "Gram" or "G.G.".

She was predeceased by her husband, George Frank Piccot; two sons, George Gregory Piccot, and Brice Matthew Piccot; daughter, Frances Ruth Raynor; and four sisters, Eleanor McMaugh, Esther Brien, Doris Neubaum, and Marilyn Cowan.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her name to the charity of the donor's choice.

Cemetery: Pine Hill Cemetery

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Funeral: Sacred Heart Church

Services: A funeral mass will be held on tuesday, February 12, at Sacred Heart Church, 910 Main Street South, Southbury, at 11: 00 a.m. Burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery, Southbury.

Visitation: Visitation will be held tuesday, February 12, at the Southbury Funeral Home of Munson-Lovetere, 235 Main Street North, from 9: 30 until leaving for Mass.