Kathleen Golda

Kathleen Benson Golda, beloved wife and mother, was called from us on Tuesday, August 18th.

The only child of Samuel J. Benson, Jr. and Ruth Benson (nee Maloy), Kathleen was born on May 12, 1955. Raised in the Village of Floral Park, Nassau County, New York, her family maintained close ties with their relatives in Albany. Kathleen graduated Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Sciences in Family and Community Services (Cum Laude). Kathleen was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and the academic honor societies Phi Kappa Phi and Omicron Nu. Subsequently, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Kathleen’s professional career focused on service to others. A nurse in hospitals in New York and New Jersey, she provided newborn and pediatric care to the youngest cardiac and orthopedic patients. She later managed the medical and rehabilitation aspects of workers’ personal injury cases.

She met Michael (United States Naval Academy, Class of 1977) on a blind date at the Bridge Café in the shadow of the Manhattan-side of the Brooklyn Bridge. They married on August 18th, 1985.

Kathleen was a proud and devoted mother to Andrew Michael, Samantha Emile (deceased), Jillian Maloy, and Jennifer Michele. She supported a wide range of their activities –crew, youth basketball, dog sitting, and marching band. By skillfully balancing the challenges of mother and Navy wife, Michael was able to serve our nation over a 30 year active and Reserve Navy career.

Her friendship and generosity touched many lives. She was an active member of the Philadelphia West Suburban Alumnae Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta.  An avid fan of Syracuse basketball, Kathleen also loved the city of Annapolis and Navy football. A voracious reader, her interests spanned the classics, American politics, and biographies of the Royal Family. She had a sophisticated sense of style.

A woman of strong faith, she was devoted to the Blessed Mary and Saint Therese of Lisieux.

The family asks that friends and family to share a favorite memory of Kathleen in the comments or via private message

A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, August 29th, 2020 at Saints Simon and Jude Church, 8 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester, PA. Visitation will be from 1000 – 1100 followed by the mass. The church is arranged for social distancing. Those who feel comfortable attending in person are asked to observe COVID-19 precautions for safety, including self-screening, following social distance guidance, and wearing face masks.

Kathleen's Funeral Mass will be livestreamed at: http://facebook.com/thedonohuefuneralhome/

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kathleen Benson Golda (Alpha, ’77) Scholarship/Fellowship endowment. The endowment will provide financial assistance for young women in Gamma Phi Beta beginning their lifelong commitment to intellectual and personal growth, friendship, and service to humanity. https://donate.gammaphibeta.org/KGolda

“Blessed are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labors for their good deeds go with them.” -Revelation 14:13