I remember it was not long after meeting Kathy and Ed that we moved into our new house in NJ.  While my wife was away on a business trip, I woke up with vertigo and had nobody to call but Kathy.  She immediately got in the car and drove down 45 minutes to help me out when I had no one else here.  I will always remember Kathy's kindness and willingness to go out of her way to help others.

While I have thousands of memories of my Dear, Sweet Mother, the one that truly stands out is one that we recently shared. One afternoon this past December, while we were spending time around the house together, I came across a bird feeder my sister-in-law Alyssa gave her a few months prior, and I ask why she had not yet filled it up and hung it out for the birds during this cold winter. She responded that it was a beautiful and sweet gift, but she had a genuine concern that the little bent metal perches for their feet were too sharp, and she did not want them to hurt themselves while they ate. This truly captures the deep care and compassion my Mother had for all living things. Down to the little bird feet! With her artistic and innovative genes, she bestowed upon me. We devised a plan to wrap each little metal peg with cotton twine to ensure that the birds had a comfortable perch from which to eat. This is the kind of woman my Mother was—an absolutely kind, compassionate, and beautiful soul.

I remember how she supported my decisions as a young mother after I had Patrick. She understood how hard it can be for people to take young mothers seriously, and was always my biggest advocate as a mother. 

We would talk on the phone when I was a new mom, home alone all day, overwhelmed by a colicky baby and not sure of what I was doing. It meant everything to admit I was worried or scared or tired, and hear her tell me it was normal. She had great ideas for entertaining babies -- who knew you could make baby toys with two liter plastic pop bottles and food coloring? -- and so much understanding. 

She loved being my kids' Granny. She was there for every birth, no matter where you and she lived, and always there if I needed a mom, no matter what. She didn't have to be that accepting. She didn't have to accept me. She didn't have to accept my kids as her grandkids. But she did it, enthusiastically. And to have some one CHOOSE you as their child, and CHOOSE your children to be their grandchildren, is a staggering act of love.

Ed, I was so sad to hear of Kathy’s passing.  She was such a special person, such a blessing to anyone who had the good fortune to know her.  While I spent only a limited amount of time with her, she always seemed so confident and comfortable in the life she was living and loving.  Surely that was her faith in our Lord.  She is with Him now, Ed.  We will all miss her.

To Ed.  Kathy was the prettiest gal in high school.  She was the sweetest lady at all times.  Her voice was so soft and sweet.  I did not get to be around her often but when I did she was always in the best mood and I know she always put u family and friends above her illness.   My heart aches for u. Cherish the many memories.  Hugs and prayers. 

I was blessed with a 29 year marriage to an angel.  When Kathy said I love you she met it.  She genuinely cared.  It was not uncommon for her to pay for a needy family’s groceries, be there when our children needed her help and, and take care of “grump-o-podimus” husband.  She laughed at my corny jokes, and enjoyed watching Perry Mason TV re-runs or an old Broadway musical with me.  Kathy was generous to a fault, kind, and tolerant.  She brought so much joy to her friends and family.  I’ve never known her to say an unkind word or walk away from a problem when life turned hard.  When we had our disagreements (and because of Kathy they were few and far between) we would listen to each other and never raise our voices.   My Kathy would end the disagreement with a smile, sometimes a tear, and a kiss.  We never went to bed mad at each other.  She faced her illness with courage offering her pain and suffering to Christ.  Through out her illness she put her concern for her friends and family above her pain.  On the day she died she smiled at me and Kelly as to say she was at peace and looking forward to being with Christ in heaven. I’ll finish by saying I am for ever in debt to our daughter Kelly and Linda Osborn for the care and kindness they showed my Kathy.  Like one of God’s angels she brought out the best in all of us.

Kathy always had a smile. She was so kind hearted and loved her family and friends. Most importantly she loved her Lord and savior. I’m sure she was welcomed into heaven with open arms. 

Praying for Ed and her family. 

KarAn Privette

To know Kathy was to be loved, she was a beautiful person both outwardly and inwardly. Hugs and prayers. 

I have known Kathy since were in diapers in the church nursery.  We grew up 3 blocks from each other and spent a lot time and meals at each other’s home.  We often referred to each other as a sister. Along with that title came the usual ups and downs that sisters often experienced. But, through out all the good and bad times over the years there was one thing we always knew...we had deep love for each other.  Sorry for your loss Ed. We both lost our best friend. 

So sad to hear of Kathy's passing; living out of state we did not keep in touch as well as classmates should. We last saw Kathy at our 50th High School reunion and I had somewhat kept up with her facebook postings. Love the picture that you're using on this site. This is how she needs to be remembered. Prayers go out to the family.

Janie Jones Hopfer and Wayne Hopfer

To Ed and family,
Prayers for God’s peace and comfort as you celebrate Kathy’s life together. She was an inspiration to all of us. Blessings to you all!
Jerry Goolsby

OBITUARY

Mary "Kathy" Kathleen Benton-Villasenor

April 15, 1950 – January 29, 2021

Baggerley Funeral Home

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