Mary "Cookie" Benson

Mary “Cookie” C. Benson, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2024, at the age of 90. A long-time resident of Overland Park, Kansas, Cookie was cherished for her unwavering faith, kindness, and vibrant spirit.

Born in 1934 in Kansas City, Missouri, Cookie was the second of seven children born to Thomas and Felicita Murphy. Proud of her Irish Catholic heritage, she embraced her roots with humor, grace, and a deep devotion to her faith. Her spiritual journey led her to make 10 pilgrimages to Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, where the Blessed Virgin Mary is said to have appeared, offering messages of hope and peace.

Cookie worked as a dedicated secretary at Black & Veatch Engineering, earning the admiration of her colleagues for her professionalism and productivity. In her free time, she found immense joy in gardening, cultivating beautiful flower beds and tomato plants at her church and family member’s homes. Cookie’s fun loving nature extended to her enjoyment of visiting local and Las Vegas casinos, where she loved playing the slot machines.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, L.R. “Bob” Benson; her parents, Thomas and Felicita Murphy; her siblings Thomas Murphy, Sharon Murphy, Marilyn Murphy, Julie Garwood, and Jo Ann Coghlin; her granddaughter Caitlyn LeClerc; and her nephew Thomas Murphy III. Cookie leaves behind a family who adored her. She is survived by her children, Bob (Jean) Benson and Teresa (Byron) LeClerc; her sister Kathleen McGuire; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who will continue to honor her memory.

A Rosary will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 5:30 PM, followed by visitation from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Curé of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, KS 66206. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Lenexa, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Harvesters Food Pantry (www.harvesters.org), a cause close to Cookie’s heart due to her many hours of volunteering.

Cookie’s legacy of love, faith, and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.