Kathleen "Kathy" Kissane Benedict

In the early morning of July 22, 2023, Kathleen Kissane Benedict passed away peacefully in the arms of her daughter in Port Charlotte, FL at the age of 74 after battling long-term health conditions. Kathy was born in 1948, the second child of the late John and Rosemary Kissane of Albany, NY. Kathy grew up in Albany, NY and attended OLA and Vincentian Institute, class of 1966. After high school, Kathy worked for New York State in various departments. After working for the state, Kathy moved to Herkimer, NY where she taught high school English until her retirement in 2007. It was in Herkimer, NY where Kathy had and raised her beloved daughter, Marirose Benedict. Kathy’s greatest joy came from watching her daughter grow and accomplish all her dreams. This happiness culminated on December 31, 2021, as she gave her daughter away to be married to her future husband, Kevin Accetta. After her retirement, Kathy enjoyed being a snowbird until her permanent relocation to Port Charlotte, FL, where she savored the company of her very cherished Florida family and friends. Here she has enjoyed numerous trips to the beaches, boat rides, dinners, and drinks by the water. Kathy enjoyed many cruises, vacations on Cape Cod, boozy brunches in Philly with her daughter, time spent with family and friends, especially her most recent family gathering in April 2023 in OBX. She found joy in several family vacations, where she may have been the recipient of playful tricks from her nieces and nephews. She lived life fearlessly until the end. Kathy is survived by her daughter and best friend, Marirose Benedict, and son-in-law, Kevin Accetta. She is also survived by her siblings and their families. Marcia Kissane, Richard Kissane (Lisa), Terre DeVoe (Mike), Beth Indovina (Ralph), and was predeceased by her brother Michael Kissane. Fun-loving aunt to Annemarie (Mike), AJ (Becky), Patrick, Caitlin, Christopher (Abbie), Brandon, and great-aunt to Teddy. She also leaves behind many friends residing in the Northeast and Florida. A celebration of her life will be held at Farley Funeral Home & Crematory- North Port on Friday July 28, 2023, from 3:00pm – 6:00pm. In lieu of sending flowers, we invite you to make a donation to a charity of your choice in her honor. She will be dearly missed but her memory and spirit will live on through all of us. Additional services to be held in Albany, NY in the coming weeks. Date and time to be determined.