Lifelong mystery-novel fan Patricia Bennett (nee Thompson), born August 14, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, died May 27, 2023, in Marietta, Georgia, from multiple organ system failure. Pat was one of the first female graduates of the Cornell University College of Architecture in 1955. She enjoyed working at the college radio station WVBR, where she met her fellow student and future husband, Stewart Bennett. When the relationship got serious, Pat converted to Judaism, and they were married in 1956.
A resident of Concord, Massachusetts, from 1961 to 2000, she was a homemaker and active volunteer in civic, feminist, and arts organizations. She was a founding member of the Concord-Lincoln Jewish Study Group and wrote for and performed with the Concord Players. She studied bookkeeping and performed treasurer duties for multiple organizations. Later, she returned to school for a computer technology certificate, and worked as a Systems Analyst for MIT Lincoln Laboratory in the 1980s-90s.
After her retirement, she had a second career as a dedicated volunteer reader for Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D), where she was in demand for her masterful ability to read advanced technical literature. This work continued when she relocated to Austin, Texas, where she was active in the local chapters of the American Association of University Women, the League of Women Voters, the Cornell Alumni Association, and a patron of the arts and other charitable organizations.
Pat was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Amy Thompson, and is survived by children Nathan and Amanda, daughter-in-law Linda, son-in-law Robin Pratt, and grandsons Spencer and Reid. Her family will miss her sense of humor, her loving hugs, and her generous spirit.
A private family service will be held in Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Learning Ally (formerly RFB&D), https://learningally.org
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