Kathleen Elizabeth Benson, 85, a long-time Colorado Springs, Colorado resident for over 60 years, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2021. She is predeceased by her late husband, Richard Lawrence Benson of 63 years. They were married at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 25, 1957, Richard was the love of her life.
Kathleen was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on July 7, 1935 to Eugene and Elizabeth Hoy. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Practical Nursing in Mankato, Minnesota in 1955 as an LPN.
Kathleen is survived by her children, Julie Nelson (Brett), Timothy Benson (Heidi), Mark Benson (Anna), Mary Jo Parelius, and Kelly Denlinger (George); 11 Grandchildren, Alicia Willis (Shane), Matthew Moscoso, Nicholas Moscoso, Austin Benson, Mahri Benson, Jia Benson, Christian Parelius, Elijah Parelius, Sam Denlinger, Charlie Denlinger, and Katie Denlinger; 6 Great Grandchildren, Brendon, Madison, Kaden, Ashlyn, Brooklyn, and Joshua.
Growing up Kathleen enjoyed ice skating, going to the movie theater, and beating all her friends in foot races. Her best friend, Carol Hogan, recently shared that she refused to compete with Kathleen because she could never keep up with her and never had a chance as Kathleen won every race.
As an adult Kathleen was giving, compassionate, kind, and warm hearted. She took great pride and care in loving her family and always made her children feel better when they were sick. Kathleen enjoyed sewing, crocheting, needlepoint, aerobics, and cooking. Her children have all been gifted with beautiful pieces of her handiwork to cherish for years to come.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 16, 2021 at Divine Redeemer Catholic Church, 927 N. Logan Avenue in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Catholic Charities (800.919.9338).
Deanne Biddle
15 Jan 2021Dear Julie, I will always remember how sweet your mom was to me during our friendship. Every time I came to your house she would take time to talk with me, asking lots of questions. I don’t remember many adults in my life who were interested in what was going on in my life as a teenager, so I always appreciated her caring attention. Your mom was a very kind woman and I know you and your family will dearly miss her. Hugs, love and condolences to you my friend.
Chris Pratt
17 Jan 2021Kelly I am so sorry for your loss. She lives on in you as the words that people use to describe her are just like you.
Patrick J Hoy
17 Jan 2021Please pass on our deepest condolences to the entire Benson family. Our family is planning on coming to the funeral…
Katherine Cunha
17 Jan 2021Mrs. B was so kind, patient and understanding. She always went out of her way do nice things, and she had a way of making people feel so loved and welcome. She was such a constant; she was there for everything and was always so supportive and enthusiastic. With Mr B and his jokes, the two of them were such a huge source of positivity and fun. I remember her cajoling Kelly and me to come to aerobics with her when we were in high school, and neither of us could keep with her. She was so athletic! She loved her kids and grandkids so much and always had a smile and hug for everyone. My heart aches at your family’s loss, and I send love and prayers to you all. May sweet Mrs B. rest in peace.
Darsie Fisk
20 Jan 2021Dearest Kelly,
Your mom was beautiful and talented, just like you. She blessed you and your family with her love and support. She sounds like an amazing mom, one who inspired you to be a compassionate caregiver and mom too. I’m so sorry that you didn’t have more time with her. Keep your memories of her alive by sharing stories of your childhood with your kids. They will always remember her as a loving grandma, but maybe they didn’t know she was also a fast runner!
Carol Hogan
24 Jan 2021Thank you, Julie and Kelly, for making it possible for me to reminisce with Kathleen, my best friend since second grade. How much fun we had in our early years playing prisoner’s base and pump, pump pull-away. Kathleen, as she was the fastest, was always chosen first to be on the teams. Our trips to the neighborhood grocery store were frequent. Kathleen’s favorite was chocolate cupcakes. On Saturdays we attended the movies and then stopped at White Castle to enjoy their tasty 12-cent hamburgers. Twice a year Kathleen competed in running races at Powderhorn Park, winning them all, and, in the frigid Minnesota winters thereto, could be found figure skating, a sport in which she highly excelled. Not only did we play together, we prayed together. I will forever thank God for blessing me with Kathleen.