Catherine Clara Bennison

Catherine Clara Para Bennison was born in Othello, Washington on January 3, 1919 to John and Catherine (Tomatis) Para. She grew up at the old home place on McManamon Road with her five siblings. She graduated in 1935 at the age of 16 from Othello High school and worked on the farm for several years before moving to Spokane to attend business college.

In 1943, Kay entered the Women’s Army Corp and was stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland. She was discharged a Staff Sergeant on January 23, 1946. She returned to Spokane and worked for a real estate firm.

Kay married Edward J. Emry in 1948. They moved to Othello in 1951 and opened a grocery store. She and Ed raised their 6 children in Othello.

In 1976 she married Phil Bennison.

She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, taught Religious Education for 12 years and typed the weekly church bulletin for more than 25 years, and was a Eucharist Minister for a number of years.

Kay volunteered with the Othello Food Bank since its inception in the early 1980’s.

Kay’s prime interest was always family. Her hobbies consisted of weaving, making pajamas for the needy newborns, and yes, playing freecell on the computer.

Surviving family include: husband Phil of Othello, son Jerry Emry of Belfair, daughters , Colleen Dickson of Kelowna, B.C., Kathleen Emry of Seattle, Miriam Emry of Desert Aire, Carol Foutch of McMinnville, OR and Trish Emry of Seattle. Sisters: Sr. Mary Jane of Sinsinawa, WI, Elvena Tam of Medford, OR, Fran Danielson of TriCities and brother, John of Othello; two stepdaughters Marcia Roylance of Othello and Becky Gribner of Mead, numerous grandchildren, step grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Kay was a living example of kindness, compassion, faith and love. All who were lucky enough to cross her path will remember her smile, her loving presence, her dedication to God and her example of hospitality and generosity.

A celebration of Catherine's life will be held on Thursday July 10, 2014 at 11:00 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.