MARY E. BENSON

JULY 22, 1936 - JANUARY 11, 2023

Mary Estelle Benson (nee Bowman), 86, of Philadelphia, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2023, from a chronic illness, in Warminster, Pennsylvania. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends mourn her loss. Born July 22, 1936, to loving parents Charles and Catherine (nee Fallon) Bowman, Mary spent her earliest years in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania. At age 12, her family moved to Philadelphia, where she attended John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls' High School . Residing in the city until her death, Mary was a huge lifelong Eagles fan! She worked part time at Little Flower High School, took great pride in her Irish heritage, and enjoyed singing Irish music. She had been a member of the Quaker City English Dart League and loved playing card games of all kinds. She shared many of her favorite hobbies with her late husband, Robert J. Benson Sr., until his death in 1992.

A devout Catholic, Mary was a long-time parishioner at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Oxford Circle, and then at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church in Fox Chase. She volunteered as a Eucharistic minister at both parishes, generously sharing the Lord's most sacred gift with her community.

Mary's life was deeply devoted to raising her children and grandchildren, whom she always supported, loved and accepted. She is survived by her daughter Meg (Paul) Waldowski of Yardley, son Robert J. Benson II of Philadelphia, daughter Patricia (Patrick) Perry of Warminster, and son Michael (and the late Marie Walter) Benson of Philadelphia. "Mam Mam" is survived by her grandchildren, Kyle Waldowski, Joseph (Holly) Catrino, Kerri-Allyson (Jacob) Reeves, Daniel (Lisa) Catrino, Christine Benson, Robert J. Benson III, Ashley (Paul) McCann, Sean (Lauren) Perry, Melanie Benson, Morgan (Juan) Cardona, and Matthew Benson, as well as 14 beautiful great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her loving husband Robert, sister Geraldine (nee Bowman) Collins, brother Charles Bowman, and grandson Jason Perry.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Mary's viewing January 19, 2023 9:30am to 11:00am St. Cecelia's Church , followed by her Mass of Christian Burial 11:00am(535 Rhawn St. Phila. PA 19111). Interment Our lady of Grace Cenmetery