Sally Bennett Segall

Sally Bennett Segall, née Simone Sylvia Bennett, died at home in Warren, RI on May 16, 2023. Sally is survived by her husband of 56 years, Marshall H. Segall, her sister, Janine Moden, her daughter Diane O. Block and husband Benjamin Block, son Edward B. Wilson and wife Marti Wilson, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by other dearly loved family including her stepdaughter BK Segall, niece Nicola Bennett and her son Joe Reed, grandchildren Noah Block, Claire and Christopher Wilson, and Ryan Segall, her “baby-dog” Spencer, and many life-long friends. She was preceded in death by her brother Kemys Bennett. Sally had a gravitational attraction all her own and loved people, the arts, the outdoors, and a good meal. Sally travelled from an early age. She was born in Harrogate, England, grew up in Winchester, VA, and lived in Iowa City, Syracuse, Nairobi, Kampala, Florence, Strasbourg, London, West Tisbury, and Warren during her adult life. In each of those places, she created a community of friends and neighbors that shared her passion for enjoying what the world had to offer. Sally was a writer and a fierce defender of the arts. She taught English at Syracuse University and was coordinator of the Creative Writing Program there. Sally published her poems, essays, and short stories in numerous journals and published an autobiography, The Immigrant, in 2013. She believed strongly that an understanding of theater, literature, music, and fine arts made us better people and never missed an opportunity to encourage their appreciation. Sally was an avid gardener and tennis player, and rarely missed an opportunity for a good walk. Wherever Sally lived, flowers, vegetables, and herbs were sure to be cultivated. She appreciated the feel, taste, and smell of the natural world. Sally was an excellent cook and appreciated a good meal more than most. She used her culinary skills to bring people together, extending dinner invitations to friends and family wherever she lived. Through good food and the conversation that followed, she connected with others. For Sally, life was about forging and maintaining relationships, engaging intellectually and physically with the world around us, and enjoying the finer things the world has to offer. The family will hold a private memorial service for Sally.