Cathy's obituary
Catherine E. Benson (nee Alfera) was born on June 19,1952, in Pennsylvania and died on January 27,2024, at her home in Florida after an extended illness. She was preceded in death by her husband of forty-eight years, Richard (Dick) Benson, her parents John and Margaret Alfera, her sister Carol Atkinson, and their baby brother Michael Alfera. Surviving are her siblings Patricia Fernbaugh of Pennsylvania, John T. Alfera of West Virginia, Donald Alfera of Washington, Stephan Alfera of Florida, and Thomas (Mickey) Alfera of California as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Dick and Cathy were both entrepreneurs and over the years owned an antique store, restaurant, and a pool company. It was the pool company that brought them to St.Petersburg,Florida. They both loved football, boxing, and Las Vegas. Cathy was an avid reader, enjoyed watching crime shows and was passionate about antiques and antique auctions. She was fond of jewelry, pottery, and antique American furniture. Though she was a Catholic at heart, she embraced the principles of Buddhism in her daily life. Cathy worked at Horizon and Oglethorpe for thirty years.
For over forty-eight years, Cathy was a part of the recovery community. She had a gentle spirit, was kind and compassionate, and stayed grounded in the principles of her beloved recovery fellowship. Cathy carried a simple message of recovery touching the lives of many who sought help from the disease of addiction.