Kathleen “Katy” (Sharkey) Benson, age 43, of Wilmington, formerly of Reading, died unexpectedly, Sunday, May 3, 2009.
Born in Winchester, MA, on May 18, 1965, Kathleen was the dear daughter of James W. & Patricia A. (Hickey) Sharkey of Reading. Katy grew up in Reading and graduated from Reading High School, Class of 1983. Katy married Robert E. “Eddie” Benson on February 20, 1993 and in 1996 they moved to Wilmington to raise their family. Katy was very devoted to her family, especially her children, and she always had a special love for children and babies. Prior to becoming a full time mom she worked in the Day Care Center at the YMCA in Reading for many years. Katy was also employed as a manager for Frame King, and she worked at Mass Bank in Wilmington. Katy will be remembered as a kind-hearted person who loved doing for others, she will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Katy was the beloved wife of Robert E. “Eddie” Benson of Wilmington, dear daughter of James W. & Patricia A. (Hickey) Sharkey of Reading, devoted mother of Jaime, Casey & Nicholas Benson, loving sister of Timothy Sharkey & his wife Bridget of Lynnfield, Terrence J. Sharkey & his wife Elaine and Patrick J . Sharkey & his wife Darlene all of Reading, Maureen Bonnell & her husband Paul of Haverhill, and Mary E. Long & her husband Joseph of Wilmington, daughter-in-law of Robert W. & the late Marie Benson of Chelsea, Katy is also survived by many aunts, uncles, sisters & brothers-in-law, nieces & nephews.
Family & friends will gather in the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Friday, May 8th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Dorothy’s Church, Main St. (Rte. 38), Wilmington at 10:00 a.m. Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours Thursday, May 7th from 2-4 & 6-9 p.m.
Memorial donations in Kathleen’s name may be made to the Childrens Hospital, Attn: Development Office, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115.
The entire Wilmington School System extends their heartfelt sympathy to the Benson family at this time of sorrow. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Please know that we are here for Jaime, Casey and Nicholas.
Sincerely,
Joanne Benton
Superintendent of Schools
To Katy’s family- There are no words to say at a time like this. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be over the next weeks and months. Since I heard the news about Katy I just keep thinking how I never saw her without a smile on her face- she was such a wonderful and loving person.
Dear Eddie, Jaime, Casey and Nicholas;
I’m so sorry for your loss. Katy was such a nice person; I always enjoyed her company and have nice memories of her from Maine.
Heather McSween
Uncle Eddie, Jaime, Casey, Nick,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will miss Auntie Katy. We will be thinking of you guys. We love you and miss you.
Russell, Michele
Alexis, and Heidi
I’m deeply sorry of the news..My Thoughts and Prayers and with all of you. I love you and miss you Pat and Sharkey. I’m sorry I’m not able to be there however please know everyone are in my thoughts. P.S. Your beautiful girl and I shared the same birthdays. Love Terese
Dear Eddie, Jamie, Casey and Nick:
I’m so sorry. Katy was a such a nice person. I met her few years ago and she was always so nice to me and my older kids. It was nice to meet her again when Tommy and Nick became friends in school this year. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Amy and John Cox
Christina, Johnny, Mandy and Tommy
Dear Ed, Jaime, Casey & Nick,
There are no words to express our sorrow. Katy was never without a smile and a kind word . She was loved by all who knew her. We will miss her forever.
Love,
Richie & Jean
We are so sorry for the sadness your family is feeling today and the days ahead. We are hoping the happy and loving memories your family and friends will share in the next few days, will in some small way, give each of you strength, comfort, peace and will stay in your hearts forever. Please pass along our thoughts and a kiss to Jamie from all of us.
Susan, Donna, Annie, George and the entire WPS Transportation Department.
Katy was such a wonderful woman. It was never so evident as it was when Jamie talked about her Mom. There was so much love her heart for her mother that you knew Katy had to be something special. Our heartfelt sympothies are with your family. Katy will live on forever in each of your hearts. God Bless your Family
I’m so sorry to hear of Katie’s passing. I met her when she worked at Wilmington Pediatrics when my kids were babies and she was always so friendly and helpful. She was truly such a good person and a great mom. My thoughts are with all of you.
Pat/Terry and family,
We are so sorry to hear about your sister Katy. We know too well the pain of losing immediate family members when they are still too young with so much more to offer, and it seems Katy was an exceptional woman who will be missed. Our condolences and thoughts are with you all.
I fondly remember Katie from our days at FrameKing Express.
My heartfelt sympathies go out to Ed and the rest of Katie’s family.
We will always have her warm smile and gentle manner to remember.
My thoughts are with you.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss and just want you to know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
For Katy’s Family…My heart goes out to all of you. I feel priviledged to have known such a sweet and genuine person, as Katy will always be remembered. Our thoughts are with you today and always.
Love, The Ring Family
For All of Katy’s family:
Our thoughts go out to you at this most grievous time. Katy was a special woman and I’ll always remember her lovely smile.. She’ll be out of our lives, but forever in our thoughts…God Bless you all…
Love: The Valliere Family, (Ken, Kathy, Paul and Stephen)
My heartfelt sympathy and sorrow for your families in this time of grieving and may God wrap you all in his arms to see you through your pain. My love to all and I am so sorry for your loss.
MaryAnn Burleson, Deidre and Michael Chamberlain
(cousins)
Pat & Sharkey & Family I was so heartbroken to hear the news of Katy’s passing. Her personality and smile were unforgetable. She will be in my prayers forever and a day. I love you all very much.
Love, David Tricia & David jr.
To Katy’s family, you have our deepest sympathy in the loss ofl your precious daughter, sister, aunt and best friend. Words can not express enough the loss of someone so special, remember her memory and all the great days and years you had with her.
Tom Fennelly
We are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts.
-The Reidy Family
We are shocked and saddened by the news, I have such fond memories of growing up next door. Our hearts go out to you all and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Julie Pulson and Genevieve Pulson
I first met Kate when I cut her hair at my salon. Then was happy to see her again when I worked at the Reading co op bank. She was all ways smiling. She had such a great way about her. She will truly be missed. Just remember although she is gone from this earth she will always live in your hearts. God bless to you all.
Our deepest condolences to you and all your family members. John will be paying his respects at the funeral home tonight.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours. May God bless you all and be especially present for you during this difficult time.
Ed, Jamie, Casey & Nick,
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart aches for each of you. My prayers and thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.
Bob Anderson
Dallas, TX
The entire staff at the Burbank YMCA is deeply saddened by your sudden loss. Kate is fondly remembered as a committed employee and loving mother. We are thinking and praying for all of you!
I think of you everyday, I miss you so much. your touch . your voice, your laughter, everything that made you , YOU , I LOVE YOU KATY
I was shocked to find out my old friend I grew up with from Parker Jr. High on up to our 20’s had passed away! Green Street …We kept in touch speradically with an unexpected call and visit to her house in Wilmington but I moved away to NH . Now I moved back. I just saw this on line as I was trying to find out if she was still in Wilmington! With my deepest sympathy to the Sharkey and Benson family. She was a great friend to me , We had such good times, she always made me laugh and cry and think. She was a true definition of someone to call friend. Soo Many Memories, Love you Katy!Walonna Woman!!