Kathleen (Laffan) Benson Obituary
On April 21, 2024, Kathleen “Kathy” Benson passed away, peacefully, in Tucson, Arizona, surrounded by her family and friends at the age of 81.
Kathy was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island in 1942 to James and Jeanette Laffan. The second of three daughters, Kathy grew up in Woonsocket and went on to the Rhode Island School of Nursing after high school to earn her RN. It was there that she met her lifetime group of friends, her “Ya-Yas”, as well as the love of her life, Alfred. Kathy had been preparing to join the Peace Corp when Al proposed, she happily accepted the proposal and turned down her Peace Corp placement, a decision she didn’t regret.
Kathy and Al started their family on Long Island in New York then moved to Tucson, AZ in 1976 and made this their home. She soon developed a love for the desert climate, the diverse culture of the city, and the U of A Wildcats. In addition to being an amazing mother and wife, Kathy worked in several positions as a nurse during her 48 years as a resident of Tucson, most prominently with Desert Medical Group near TMC. At 50, Kathy went back to school to earn her BSN, and, later, earned her CDE (Certified Diabetes Educator) certification. Her favorite professional role was as the school nurse at Foothills HS. In her personal life, Kathy was An active member of St. Alban’s Episcopal church, serving on vestry, altar guild, and many other church committees. Kathy played in the same bridge group for over 40 years, was in a book club for 30 years, and was an active member of a local PEO chapter for 25 years. She enjoyed travelling and went abroad on several trips with friends and family. After meeting her partner, Mike, in 2013, she spent a number of years living in Oro Valley and Saddlebrooke where she continued to add friends to her life.
Everyone who met Kathy fell in love with her. Her positive personality, caring instincts, and ability to talk about anything drew people to her. She loved deeply. Her friends were her family and when she made a friend it was for life. As loving and loyal as she was, Kathy was also not afraid to tell it like it is and share her mind. She was honest and insightful. She loved to read and learn new things. She knew what she believed to be right and true and she would speak up for those beliefs.
Kathy is preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Al, and younger sister Maureen Pallasch.
She leaves behind her oldest sister, Sheila (Roger) Lacouture; her children Jonathan (Brandy) Benson, Jennifer (Michael) McDonald, and Eileen (Steve) Sousley; her grandchildren Emma, Sadie, Lucy, Cyrus, Alan, Gideon, Bear, Hunter, Faelynne, Jack, and Oliver; and her partner of 11 years, Mike Carran. She also leaves behind an untold number of caring friends who will miss her dearly.
Anyone wishing to share memories, stories, or pictures about Kathy can send them to [email protected]
Memorial services will be held at St. Alban’s Church on June 22, 2024 at 10:00am with a reception to follow in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Kathy’s name to your favorite charity or to St. Alban’s Church.
