Mathilda J. Benson

Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | February 13, 2025

Kindhearted Mathilda J. Bendl Benson, age 105, of White Oak, died at home on February 11, 2025, under the care of Heartland Hospice. She was born at home on December 27, 1919, in Latrobe, PA, the daughter of Joseph and Philomena Bendl of Latrobe, PA. Beloved wife of the late Ralph A. Benson; mother of Ralph A. Benson Jr. (Jane) of Bethel, OH, Lewis B. Benson (Linda) of Sewickley, Joseph G. Benson (Martha) of Murrysville, and John F. Benson of White Oak.  Grandchildren include Anne Louise Benson of East Rochester, John Robert Benson (Shannon) of Portland, Oregon, Joshua Arnott Benson of Austin, Texas, Joseph William Benson of Murrysville, and Emily Benson Reis (Patrick) of Howell, Michigan; great-grandchildren include Vincent Benson, Joseph Patrick Reis, Julie Therese Reis, Gemma Marie Reis, Gianna Faustina Reis, Bella Lucia Reis, and Michael Paul Reis. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Ralph A. Benson; her brothers, Joseph, Anthony, Richard, and Lewis, who was a WWII casualty who served in the United States Navy; her sisters, Marie Monaco, Regina Bendl, Rose Umansky, Catherine Sweeney, and Ruth Myers. 

 She was a Registered Nurse (RN), a graduate of Latrobe Hospital School of Nursing, and was employed there before enlisting in the United States Navy Nurse Corps during WWII with the rank of Ensign. Her tours of duty included service at the Philadelphia Navy Hospital and U.S. Navy Hospitals in San Diego, California, and Bethesda, MD. She retired from the service with the rank of Lieutenant.  She was employed at UPMC McKeesport Hospital until her retirement. Her memberships included the Military Officers Association of America, Pittsburgh Chapter as secretary, White Oak AARP 2294, American Legion 701 Seniors, McKeesport Renzie Park Summer Concert Committee, McKeesport Catholic Daughters of America Court 221, Charter Member of St. Angela Merici Church, the Ladies of Charity as secretary, Keener Citizens, and Christian Mothers. She was a Eucharistic Minister and Altar Server.  Family and friends will be received at Jaycox Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory Oak on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Mary, Mother of God Parish, St. Angela Merici Church, 2701 Kelly Street, White Oak.  The entombment and military honors will follow at New St. Joseph Cemetery.  Condolences and memories may be shared at www.jaycox-jaworskifh.com.  In lieu of flowers, Mathilda suggested memorial contributions be made to one’s favorite charity or to St. Angela Merici Church.

Originally published February 13, 2025.

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