Patricia Jean Benham

On Tuesday the 19th of April 2022, Patricia Jean Griffith Benham passed away peacefully in her sleep at age 87. She was born on April 2, 1935 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to parents Warren and Stella Griffith.

Patricia is survived by her siblings Virginia Marie Kidd, Margaret Eva Caron, Mary Katherine Reed, Susan Carol Griffith, Barbra Jo Hoogterp, and Michael David Griffith; and her children Marie Patricia Benham, Mark Oliver Benham, Monica Gerardine Vannella, and Thomas Joseph Benham. She is also survived by Paul Griffith’s widow, Debbie Griffith. Patricia now resides with her loved ones who have also moved on; her parents and her brother Paul and her many friends.

Patricia was voted vice president of her class before graduating from Catholic Central High School. She was married to and divorced from Oliver Carl Benham who passed away in 2018. Patricia was an avid reader. She also loved camping and fishing (an appreciation that she passed on to her children). Also, Patricia was a 2nd Mom to many teens through the years. She was a Red Cross Swimming Instructor for many, many years at the old Lansdale Swimming Pool.

Mom was a sweet gentle person who loved to watch for nature at home and when visiting places abroad. She traveled to Europe visiting the U.K. and Paris, and to the Mexican border in the 1960’s and to Puerto Vallarta in the 1980’s. Patricia is also survived by her friends: Victor and Anita Diatschenko, Linda Lee Cole, Lisa MacFarland and more.

All the kind correspondence that Patricia received from family and friends this last year has been so very much appreciated. The help and support from the Kidd family has been a huge comfort. There are so many stories and remembrances from our Patricia’s lifetime.

Take comfort in your own thoughts and memories about Patricia and feel free to share them with others. The Benham family is so thankful that she is at peace and in the light. God Bless you all for the thoughts and prayers that you’ve sent in the last few months… and may God welcome Patricia into his arms. We love you so very, very much.