Joan Marie Benson

Joan Marie Hardcastle Benson passed away peacefully at home October 10th, 2023 under the care of hospice. She was born November 27, 1931 in Kansas City, MO where she met her husband, Guy Meriwether Benson. December 6, 2023 would have marked 75 years of marriage for them!

Although it was unusual for women to work outside the home after marriage and especially after having children, Joan was an executive secretary while Guy pursued his educational studies at Kansas City University. After earning his degree, they moved to upstate New York to work for IBM. At this time Joan devoted herself to raising their children and supporting Guy's career which led the family to living in New York, California, France and finally settling in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Joan was an exceptional cook and while living in France she enrolled in Paris culinary classes. She passed that love of cooking onto her children and grandchildren. Christmas Eve dinners are celebrated with her recipe for either Beef Wellington or Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding.

Joan is preceded in death by daughter, Phyllis Katherine Wiig and grandson, Nicholas Woodward Benson.

She is survived by her husband, Guy Meriwether Benson, son Chris Benson (Debbie); grandchildren, Adrienne Sousa (Keith), Katie Benson, Matt Benson (Megan); great- grandchildren, Emma Rabius, Maryn Asbury, June Benson and Guy Benson; son-in-law, Keith Wiig and his life partner, Kris Sander.

A graveside service will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery (69001 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO) on Tuesday, October 17 at 1pm.

Joan was incredibly charitable and although she gave to a variety of organizations she was a supporter of any that benefitted families. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to your local food pantry.