Kathleen Mary O’Marie

Kathy attended St. Emydius in San Francisco before graduating from St. Catherine’s in Burlingame in 1955. She graduated from Mercy High School in 1959, and studied at the College of San Mateo.

Kathy was preceded in death by her sister, Carol Anne O’Marie, C.S.J., a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet, who passed in 2009.

Kathy was a devoted and fiercely loving mother. Raising her three children—Caroline Marie Benson, John Patrick Benson, and Noelle Sullivan—was her life’s purpose and greatest accomplishment. As a single mother after her divorce from Lawrence Wayne Benson in 1984, she worked tirelessly and selflessly, sacrificing everything so her children could have the very best education, grounded in Catholic faith. She believed deeply in parochial education and never missed Mass, instilling in her children not only discipline and values, but also the ability to live fully and joyfully in the present moment.

Kathy’s generosity knew no bounds. She nurtured lifelong friendships, building a circle so wide that everybody believed they were her best friend. Whether through book club, yoga, the “Birthday Club”, the “Peas” or meals at off-the-beaten-path restaurants with her “pals,” Kathy made everyone feel seen and special.

She lived intentionally, spending summers at Lake Berryessa and winters in Tahoe. She was a proud owner of a Russian River home, which became her family’s safe haven.

Kathy mastered the single waterski, and was a devoted sports fan who loved the Giants, Warriors and 49ers. However it was on the local scene where she was the most devout fan -- never missing a single sporting event involving her children or grandchildren.

Her grandchildren were her lifeline and her joy: Eva Eulalia Benson, Dominic Jean Baptiste Benson, Kathleen Rose Sullivan, and Emily Marie Sullivan.

Kathy had impeccable style and an intuitive eye for design—often predicting trends years before they became fashionable. She dressed her children “to the nines,” prized quality over quantity, loved beautiful shoes, brooches and classic brands, and created spaces in her home that reflected her creativity and warmth.

Professionally, between 1960 and 1965, Kathy worked as a telephone operator for both the San Francisco Water Department and Wells Fargo Bank. Beginning in 1984, she worked for longtime family friends at Central Drug Co. in the Mission District and Dr. William Gallagher, DDS, in the Sunset District, both in San Francisco, the city that she loved. She also enjoyed volunteering, serving in PTA leadership at Mercy High School, and as a longtime room parent and Mothers’ Club member at St. Dunstan’s School in Millbrae.

She cherished her roles as mother, Nonnie, sister, and friend, and lived by the values of hard work, resilience and humor.

She is survived by her children Caroline Marie Benson (fiancé Robbin Schrader), John Patrick Benson (wife Denise Etcheverry Benson), and Noelle Sullivan (husband Ryan Sullivan); her cherished grandchildren Eva, Dominic, Kathleen and Emily; and her extended family, including the Etcheverry, Romanski and Sullivan families. She is also lovingly remembered by countless friends who felt like family.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, January 30, at 10 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 1310 Bayswater Ave, Burlingame. A reception and Celebration of Life will follow at the Italian Social Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kathy’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation or the American Cancer Society.