Kathleen (Start) Benoit

Kathleen (Start) Benoit, 72, of Florence, passed away on Friday November 12, 2021, at home, surrounded by her loving family. The seventh daughter of ten girls, she was born in Northampton on January 27, 1949, to the late William R. and Irene (Lewis) Start. Kathy was educated in Northampton schools and was a graduate of Smith Vocational High School. She met and fell in love with James Benoit, and they soon married. They would have celebrated their 54th anniversary on November 18th. She was a homemaker until she started working for Smith College in January 1986 as a housekeeper. She transferred to a custodial position, and retired in 2012 after 26 years of service. Kathy had an impressive talent for oil painting, and attended classes at the Hill Institute. She also enjoyed biking and walking. She had been a blood donor at Cooley Dickinson Hospital for years. Most of all, Kathy loved spending time with her family and friends. She has been dearly loved, and will be sadly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband, James Benoit of Florence, her four daughters, Tina Benoit and partner, Scott Cox of Hatfield, Brenda Labrie and husband Jonathan of Southampton, Linda Lesenski and husband Joseph of S. Deerfield, Susan Goddard and husband Chris of Westhampton, nine grandchildren, Zachery and partner Carissa, Jonathan Jr. and wife Kathleen, Jayna and husband Nikhil, Elaina and husband Travis, Benjamin, Jacqueline, Owen, Talia, and Jaymes, and three great-grandchildren, Jonathan III, Delilah, and Laura. Kathy leaves behind her nine dear sisters, Janet Hill and husband Bob, Barb Dzuiba and husband Bill, Gerri Tower and husband Karl, Linda Bernier and husband Steve, Pat Spaulding, Donna Breen and husband Dan, Beth Wood and husband Stan, Renie Upham and husband Bob, Sally Sicard, sister-in-law Betty Start, brother-in-law Richard Benoit and wife Diane, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Kathy was predeceased by her only brother, William, the oldest child, and her brothers-in-law Rod Spaulding and Ed Sicard. Calling hours will be held at the DROZDAL FUNERAL HOME, 120 Damon Rd., Northampton, on Wednesday, November 17 from 4 to 7 PM. The funeral will be on Thursday, November 18, 2021, from 10AM at the Funeral Home, a prayer service will begin at 11AM, followed by burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Northampton. The family would like to thank Kathy’s many doctors, nurses, and caregivers for the compassionate care she was given during this long journey. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kathy’s memory to PANCAN.org Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Ave. Ste. 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 Per order of the Northampton Board of Health, face coverings are required. For more information or to leave the family a personal condolence, please visit Drozdalfuneralhome.com

Kathleen (Start) Benoit

January 27, 1949 - November 12, 2021