Kathleen E. Benson, age 88, passed away peacefully in her sleep with her family by her side on January 17, 2024, at Kendal at Hanover, in Hanover NH. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Kate was predeceased by her loving husband, William (Bill) in 2016.

She leaves behind her four children and their families:
Mark, his wife Mary Beth, grandchildren Coleman and his wife Michaela, William, and Nicholas; Kathy, her husband Rick Barth, grandchildren Erik, Matthew and his fiancé Bella Calvo, and Brendan; Jim, his wife Beth, grandchildren Jamie and his wife Meghan, and Kelly; John, his wife Donna, grandchildren Shannon, Kristen, and Cailyn.

Kate is also survived by her sister Ellen M. McNally of Morristown NJ, brothers Hon. John S. McCann and his wife Suzanne of Westborough MA, and Robert C. McCann and his wife Nancy of Boxford MA. She also leaves behind sisters-in-law Joanne A. McCann of Worcester MA, and Jeanne A. McCann and her husband Dr H. Lee Bishop of Worcester MA.

Preceding Kate in death were three brothers: Dr. James C. McCann Jr, Daniel McCann and his wife Judith, Stephen J. McCann, and brother-in-law Peter J. McNally.

Kate was born on March 28,1935 in Worcester, MA, to James and Katherine McCann, the third of seven children. She was raised in a close-knit family as a devout Catholic and expressed her strong faith throughout her life. She shared a room with Ellen, her big sister, trusted advisor and confidante. The McCann siblings remained her closest companions throughout her life.

In her childhood, Kate grew up summering in Beverly Farms and Marblehead MA. She, along with her siblings, developed a love for sailing. Learning to sail the seas on a 32’ boat named “Salarius”, she used those skills to train “Captain Billy”, and shared many sailing adventures on Long Island and Block Island Sounds with her family and friends.

Kate graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music from The New England Conservatory of Music and Newton College of the Sacred Heart in Newton, MA. She was a member of the American College of Musicians and an annual participant in the National Guild of Piano Teachers auditions. During her senior year, her sister Ellen introduced her to the love of her life, “Billy”. They were happily married for 57 years, and incredibly devoted to their family. Kate and Bill most definitely had a marriage “made in heaven”.

Kate was truly an incredible musician, and her talents were enjoyed by many. Gifted with a stunning singing voice, she was also an accomplished pianist. She successfully combined her musical talents with her faith, serving many parishes in a variety of musical groups. She created and directed the Folk Mass at Our Lady of Assumption Church in Fairfield, CT, and subsequently served as Music Director of Campus Ministry at Fairfield University. She also taught piano lessons for over 20 years, while providing plenty of friendly life advice to her students along the way. Only those who practiced were rewarded with a gold star.

Her most treasured students were her grandchildren, all who continue to appreciate music in various ways. Each year, our entire family would gather for a Christmas celebration, where a family concert completed the special occasion, with Kate overseeing the performers, and smiling brightly. Many times, the concert would end with a solo performance by Kate, who loved to sing her amazing renditions of “Danny Boy” and “Oh Holy Night”.

Kate was a giver who volunteered her time to a variety of community organizations, including the Merton House Soup Kitchen in Bridgeport, CT, Glenmary Home Missioners, and the Emmaus retreat program. She also taught reading skills to elementary students on Anna Maria Island, FL.

In her retirement years, Kate and Billy were snowbirds, spending their summers in the family’s favorite destination in Waterville Valley NH, and their winters in Longboat Key FL. Her true passion was spending time with her family. She especially loved and was proud of her eleven grandchildren; “Nana Kate” particularly enjoyed passing on her advice and life lessons at every turn.

She has been a matriarch and wonderful role model to her children and grandchildren. Her kindness, sweetness, and selflessness were truly inspiring. She touched everyone she knew in a meaningful way; one of Kate’s caregivers referred to her as a “desert rose”. She spent her final years living at Kendal where she took great pleasure in greeting her many friends, including the devoted staff, whom she sincerely loved.

Her family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated health care team members at Kendal. Their level of professionalism, care, and compassion was above and beyond, and so greatly appreciated by Kate, who was quick to say how much she “loved Kendal”; She was very happy there.

A Catholic funeral mass will be held at the Aquinas House at Dartmouth College, 2 Occum Ridge, Hanover, NH, on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 12:00 noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to “The Webster Fund at KAH”, Kendal at Hanover, 67 Cummings Road, Hanover, NH 03755.

 

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