Mary M Benson

Mary Margaret Benson (nee O’Malley), 89, Inverness, Florida, earned her wings on Friday, July 31, 2026 at her home.

Born January 10, 1937 in Carrigaholt, County Clare, Ireland to Patrick and Susan (nee Ryan) O’Malley. Mom emigrated to New York City in 1954; she lived in New York City and New Jersey until 1981 when she relocated to Florida.

Mom was very industrious and talented as evidenced by a variety of vocations: mailroom attendant and operator at JC Penney in Manhattan; Waitress and Hostess at Schrafft’s on 5th Avenue in Manhattan where she met many celebrities; jet fuel injector assembler; Waitress/Hostess at several elegant restaurants and a home care companion. Mom was a talented crafter with her specialty handmade, ornate Christmas stockings that she made for family and friends. She was an avid reader and always had a book nearby. Mom especially loved dogs---other peoples’ dogs. She once claimed to have at least 75 dogs.

Mom was predeceased by her husband, Daniel Annan Benson (2004). Survivors include her children: Maureen Murphy of Providence Forge, VA; James Murphy of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and Daniel and his wife Shari Murphy, Inverness, FL; siblings: Kitty Watt of Enstone, Oxfordshire, England; Nancy Ryan of Ennis, County Clare, Ireland; Joseph O’Malley of Oxford, England and Patrick O’Malley of Lislanahan, County Clare, Ireland; grandchildren: Mary Beth Murphy, FL; Heather Johnson, NJ; T. Ryan Green, VA; Thomas Tufano, AZ; Michael Green, Germany; Ashley Grant, FL and Daniel Murphy, Jr, FL; 12 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Also, her dear first cousin, Reverend Monsignor Michael Hardiman, Queens, NY and many special nieces and nephews in Ireland, England and Australia.

Our thoughts are always with you, Mom, your place no one can fill. In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. If memories bring us closer, we will never be apart for you are always with us in our thoughts and in our hearts. Will those who think of her today a little prayer to Jesus say. Sadly missed and always remembered by her loving family.

Mom’s wishes were to be brought home to Ireland which will be completed at a later date.