Kathleen “Kathy” Mavourneen Bennett passed away on April 6, 2023, after a brief illness. She was born in Harlington, Texas, to Owen and Betty (Belle) Bennett in January of 1943. Although born in Texas, Kathleen lived most of her life in Upper Michigan. She lived in Marquette, Norway, and settled in Escanaba. Much of her childhood was influenced by her Irish heritage and her Irish grandmother who was very much a political activist, a role model who strongly influenced Kathleen’s life choices and passions.
Kathleen graduated from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education. She had a long, successful career as an elementary teacher in the Gladstone district spending over 30 years at Flat Rock Elementary School and Cameron Elementary School. A brilliant, creative and loving teacher, Kathy impacted the lives of many young children. She made learning exciting and engaging for her students. She was also involved in many school improvement teams and also served on the Recreational Advisory Board of Escanaba. She was recognized as the OPIE (Outstanding Person in Education) winner and as a Northern Michigan University Distinguished Alumni in 1988.
After retiring in 2005, Kathleen volunteered at the public library and pursued many life passions. One of these passions was the love of learning. Part of this passion involved Kathy’s dedication as a long time member of the American Associationg of University Women (AAUW), serving in several capacities as historian, program chairperson, as well as president. Creating access to educational opportunities was important to Kathy. Another life passion was travel. Always a horse enthusiast, Kathy loved to travel to National Horse Races. She began a tradition in her cirlce of friends hosting a Kentucky Derby Party the forst Saturday of May. If a guest did not have an appropriate hat to wear (A requirement for ladies), Kathleeen had plenty to share. Incredibly proud of her Irish heritage, Kathleen also traveled many times to Ireland. Always quick to laugh, Kathleen often had the mischievous glint of a leprechaun in her eye! Her stories and souvenirs will be cherished by her friends upon whom Kathy generously showered her time, love and friendship..
Always an advocate, Kathy was a staunch supporter of both women’s rights and animal rights. A lover of all creatures, Kathy had many fur babies in her home throughout her lifetime. She had an abounding love for animals and their welfare, often caring for and feeding strays. Kathy was a proud member of the Democratic Party of Delta County, the Historical Society, and a vestry member of the St. Stephens Episcopal Church.
Kathleen was preceded in death by both of her parents. She is survived by her loving friends, neighbors, classmates from Holy Name High school and beloved cousins. All will miss her laughter, her strong opinions, and the incredible experiences she created for them as the wonderful hostess she was. She will be remembered for her unwavering compliments to her beliefs, her kindness, and her love for life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Kathy’s name may be directed to the Delta County Animal Shelter.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 13, 2023 from 11 AM to 12 noon at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Escanaba. Funeral Services honoring Kathy will follow at 12 noon with Bishop Rayford Ray and Rev. Sue Ray officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. Kathy will be laid to rest in Holy Cross Cemetery in Marquette.
Becky Quinn - Gladstone, MI
I had the privilege to work with Kathy early in my teaching career. I learned a lot from her and appreciated her advice and friendship throughout my years working with her. Lots of great memories, she definitely made an impact on those that worked with her, along with all the students she taught. Rest easy, Kathy!
Lynn Sattem - Bark River, Michigan
So sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. I met her at Anytime fitness and was so pleasant to talk to. RIP Kathy
Suzan Garcia - Palmetto, FL
I’m so sorry to hear about Kathy’s passing. I didn’t know her well, but I remember her being a Avery gracious lady. Rest in peace, Kathy.
Mary K and Dan Vader - Crystal River FL and Escanaba, MI
Kathy was a wonderful neighbor for many years. Her friendly nature and belief in community will be deeply missed. Condolences and warm regards to her family.
Pat Maslowski - Drake, CO
Kathy, you have led such a good and caring life. We will miss you. You will always be part of us. Love and peace to you.
Pat
Jayne Szukalowski - Escanaba, MI
A beautiful woman with a courageous personality. i always enjoyed listening to the many traveling adventures. Kathy was a dedicated member of Anytime Fitness, and will be sadly missed. Rest In Peace dear friend.
Blessings to all who knew her.
Patricia Hager - Gladstone , MI
Kathy was strong, intelligent, adventurous and beautiful. We taught together at Cameron School for many years. I have fond memories of “sweating to the oldies “ with her after school. She offered good advice on handling different student personalities. I learned a lot from her. Especially, her comment “ How are you going to work that out?” I still use that phrase on my grandchildren, and I think of her when I say it! Rest in peace, sweet Irish ☘️ lass.
Mike and Diane Bennett - Iron Mountain, MI
We will truly miss our “cuzin” Kathleen. Her genuine concern for family and friends is admired. No one can tell a story like Kathleen and her family stories were always so entertaining, she kept us laughing. Rest easy.
Love,
Mike and Diane
Duane D Williams - Wells, MI
Kathy will be missed by a lot of people she was a very nice and friendly lady my husband and I meet her at Po’s pizza. Kathy talked with my husband about everything going on in our country she will be missed by all. Rest Kathy
Christa Hughes - Escanaba, MI
Kathy was my 2nd grade teacher. She was amazing. One of my favorite memories as a student at Flat Rock was when She invited our 2nd grade class to her house on Lake Shore Drive for a sledding party. It was so much fun. And then I got to reconnect with her at the House of Ludington. I enjoyed our Friday night conversations with her close girlfriends. She will be missed by many. She was so much a blessing to all.
Linda Howlett - Gladstone, MI
Kathy was my daughter’s second grade teacher and what an awesome teacher she was! As a parent I appreciated her passion for children and education, and her frequent and open communication with parents. As a school board member I admired her dedication to her craft, her compassion, and the fact that she embraced new technology even as a seasoned teacher. She was a blessing to hundreds of students and parents over the years. Thanks for the memories, Kathy! Please give my precious Gwen a hug and tell her I love her always and forever, and will see her again someday.
Jane McInerney Weber and Joan Vinette - Green Bay and Munising, .
Growing up, Kathy, Joan Vinette and I were great friends.We lived in close proximity to each other. We often walked to school together.Jatgy moved to Escanaba in 4th grade and from that time on we enjoyed a special friendship. N. We walked everywhere together including the Advanced Electric everything Elvis had a newly released record Aftee the movie “Love Me Tender” we acquired the 6 ft. Cardboard statue of Elvis from the movie manager . During our later school years we enjoyed going to football and basketball games and to Marco’s for pizza afterward. Later when we drove we would spend hours ” bombing the mainland chipping in $.35 each for gas ( you could do well for $1.00). Kathy and I waitresses for 2 summers under the infamous Pat Hayes at The House of Ludinton hotel. T. T he 3 of us got Education Degrees from Northern. After our careers we enjoyed reconnecting at class reunions Kathy hosted memorable garden parties at these reunions.Sadly Covid interrupted our 60th Réunion. A we will miss Kathy and her Irish spirit!
CAPT David, Monica, Thomas, Zach and John Harris - Anacortes, WA
Kathleen had a profound influence on my life as a young man in Escanaba. I spent nearly every Thanksgiving and Christmas eve at her home when I was growing up surrounded by love, friendship and family. Always the educator and mentor, she encouraged to pursue my dreams to attend the Naval Academy which seemed wildly achievable at the time. She cherished the Harris family and my successes and I will forever remember how proud her and Grandma Betty were at my graduation in Annapolis, Maryland. Despite being stationed around the country, whenever we made it home it was like I had never left. She was an an incredible lady and she will be missed by me and my family dearly.
Kathleen Creten - Green Valley, AZ
A great gal and a huge loss to all who were fortunate to know her. Kathleen was a force of nature. She and I, along with our mothers would dine out monthly. These were precious times! Kathleen would often stand up and “act out” yet another funny story!
The AAUW Sleepovers, which, St. St. Stephen’s connection, H of L times, on and on. Kathleen was the best.