Kathleen Lura Benson

February 14, 1946 - October 21, 2012

Obituary

Kathleen Lura Benson

Kathleen was born February 14, 1946 in Seattle, the first-born child of Lewis and Lucille Benson.  As a young girl, and throughout her life, she loved dolls, going to school and reading books that gave her access to the world of fairies, King Arthur’s Court, poetry and plays.

She graduated from Highline High School and received her bachelor’s degree from Western Washington State College in 1967. She received her master’s degree in fine arts from Ohio University, and taught theatre history, dramatic literature, and directed children’s theatre productions at Southwest Minnesota State College. She returned to the Pacific Northwest a few years later and began a 30-year career in the insurance industry, followed by a second career with the Pierce County Arts Commission until her retirement in 2010. She also volunteered for a children’s literacy program, working one-on-one with young readers.

Kathy had an incredibly sharp mind and memory for detail – you wouldn’t want to go up against her in a game of Trivial Pursuits.  She was the family historian and had recently begun doing research on Ancestory.com, where she discovered that we were related to such historic figures as Pocahontas and William the Conqueror.

She was a talented and creative craftsperson. Her love of dolls continued into adulthood, and she not only collected them but made them herself, clothing them in beautiful hand-sewn garments. She was also a gifted quilter, and the family is blessed with the warmth of her beautifully detailed creations. One of her more recent passions was jewelry-making, and she was an expert on gems of every kind. Being the generous spirit she was, her friends and family benefited greatly from her creative talents.

Family was everything to Kathy. As our parents aged, she took care of them with unwavering devotion. She truly enjoyed their company and was constantly finding ways to make their lives easier.   She was a loving sister and a doting aunt; even though she didn’t have children of her own, she had quite a maternal streak.  And after she retired, her long-time dream came true when she adopted Gretel, a Chihuahua-terrier mix.  Kathy and Gretel were a wonderful pair, and spent many happy hours together going for walks, socializing at the dog park and cuddling on the couch.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Lucille, and is survived by her loving family: brothers Randall (Stella), Brian, sister Lauren (Robert), nephew Eric, nieces Lisa, Diana (Rowland), Adrienne and Madeline, great-nieces Julia and Luna, best friend Christine Exley and her beloved dog Gretel.

She leaves a hole in our family that cannot be filled, but holds a place in our hearts that will live forever.

In lieu of flowers, Kathy would be very happy if we continued her tradition of giving holiday gifts to foster children in need: