Kathleen M. Benedict

Kathleen M. Benedict, age 65, of Northville, formerly of Dearborn Heights, passed away July 6, 2023.  She was born on August 4, 1957 in Detroit, Michigan; daughter of Edward and Bessie (Boniecki) Tobin.  She graduated from Chadsey High School in Detroit; class of 1975.  Kathleen was united in marriage to Allan Benedict on October 24, 1986; they spent 36 years lovingly devoted to one another.

Prior to having her family, she worked as an Administrative Assistant for the Continuing Medical Education Department at Wayne State.  Very proud of her work, she coordinated seminars and assisted doctors with their continuing education.  After the arrival of her sons, Kathleen dedicated her life to her family and her home.  She was an incredibly supportive mom and was always willing to fight for her boys.  Active in their school, she, chaperoned field trips and volunteered in the classroom.  As her boys grew, she went back to work at the Cub Corner spirit store at U of D Jesuit High School and was actively involved in the Mom’s Club.

Kathleen was very giving of her time.  For years she organized the St. Anselm Craft Show that expanded each year and was very successful.  Her kind and caring manner made her a perfect fit for the Providence Park League at Ascension Providence where she served as the Retention Chair.  She used her talents to welcome new volunteers and help  identify opportunities to enhance their experience, as well as gave her time in the gift shop.  Her most rewarding volunteer work was that of a Therapy Dog Walker at Providence Park Hospital.  She visited patient rooms with a therapy dog bringing smiles and comfort to the patients and their families.  She and her favorite therapy dog, Doc, who always greeted her with excitement and a wagging tail, worked together until he retired.  Animals were a big part of Kathleen’s life, and she always had a menagerie of pets with her at home including dogs, cats, birds, fish, hamsters, hermit crabs, and even water frogs.  She adored dogs and often kept any strays she found wandering in the neighborhood or along the street.

Kathleen also made sure the neighborhood wildlife were well fed and cared for; the racoons had bread and water, feral cats had igloos to keep them warm, and birds, squirrels, chipmunks and possums never went hungry.  Kathleen loved gardening and working in her yard; she grew an abundance of beautiful perennials and planted many annuals each year.  Her spectacular landscape earned her the honor of Willow Nursery’s Yard of the Year.  Recently she started raising butterflies and incorporating specific flowers and plants into her gardens that would draw them into her yard.

Kathleen was a strong supporter of downtown Northville and made friends with many of the shop owners over the years, especially when first moving to Northville after her Mom passed away.  Known as the matriarch of her entire family – immediate and extended, Kathleen cared for everyone.  She was a wonderful host and had a special gift of making everyone feel welcome in her home.  She enjoyed entertaining and made sure all the details and decorations for holidays and special occasions were extraordinary.   Kathleen was a loving wife, mom, sister, and friend; she will be missed by all who knew her.

Kathleen is survived by her loving husband, Allan Benedict; her sons, Allan (Kate) Benedict and Ryan (Marissa Mares) Benedict; her brother, Edward Tobin; her father-in-law, Gerald Benedict; her sisters-in-law, Susan (Jay Carrol) Benedict and Elizabeth Benedict; her brothers-in-law, Jeffrey (Cathy) Benedict and Robert (Cai Hogan) Benedict; her dog, Phoebe; her cat Maizey; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her mother-in-law, Shirley Benedict.

The visitation will be held Tuesday, July 11, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.  The funeral mass will be held Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. instate at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard Drive, Northville.  She will be laid to rest at St. Hedwig Cemetery in Dearborn Heights.  A live stream of the funeral service will be available at Our Lady of Victory’s website .

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Ascension Providence Foundation, Therapy Dog Program – West Region Fund , 28000 Dequindre Road, Warren, MI 48092.  If writing a check please make sure to reference the Therapy Dog Program and if making a donation online please chose Therapy Dog Program – West Region Fund from the drop down menu.