Kathleen Rosemary Bennett

Surrounded by loved ones, Kathleen Rosemary Bennett, 81, passed away peacefully
following a long battle with cancer, on August 25, 2023, in Simpsonville, South
Carolina.

Kathy was born on February 1, 1942, in Jersey City, New Jersey. She was a woman of
elegance and refinement, always dressing impeccably, cooking beautiful meals,
wrapping presents with special flair, and keeping a lovely home. Kathy's genuine love
for and devotion to her family were unparalleled. She cherished her children, William
B. Clayton and Catherine M.C. Farrelly, and her grandchildren, Connor and Grace
Clayton. She had boundless energy and enthusiasm for playing with all of them when
they were small, making up games and stories to keep them entertained. Her love
language was gift-giving, and she delighted in her quests to find treasures her family
would enjoy. She also loved family game time, was shockingly good at Scrabble, and
showed an impressive aptitude for Heads Up, which she learned in her late 70s. Her
children and grandchildren were the center of her world, and she treasured every
moment spent with them.

A long-time Europhile, Kathy lived in England for two years and the Netherlands for
more than seven, traveling all over the continent through her adult life, as well as to
Hong Kong, Mexico, Dubai, and Egypt, alongside countless trips to visit friends and
family. In her professional life, Kathy had a long and successful career in insurance with
Tenet Health Care in Boca Raton, Florida. Her dedication and expertise made her an
invaluable asset to the company, where she made many longtime friends.

Kathy also was a lifelong devoted Catholic. A student at Assumption School of Wood-
Ridge, NJ and Immaculate Conception High School of Lodi, NJ from first through twelfth
grade, Kathy remained strongly connected to her faith throughout her life, and it was a
source of strength and comfort to her.

Kathy was married to William Joseph Clayton in 1964. They were married for eighteen
years and had two children, Bill and Catherine. While they ultimately divorced, Kathy
and Bill remained lifelong friends. She also is survived by her children and
grandchildren, daughter-in-law Brooke A. Woelffer, son-in-law Stephen R.R. Farrelly,
siblings Veronica Newman, Eileen O’Neill, John Harjes, Kevin Harjes, and Michael
Harjes, and their children and grandchildren.

Kathy will be deeply missed. Her legacy of love, elegance, and devotion will forever live
on in the hearts of her family and friends. A celebration of Kathy’s life will be held at
her daughter's home in Far Hills, New Jersey, on November 4, 2023. Please contact
Catherine Farrelly for details. This gathering will be an opportunity for family and friends
to come together and commemorate the life of this remarkable woman.
In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to the American Cancer Society.

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