Kathy Sue Benner-Berninger died peacefully on Nov. 16 at her home in Vineyard Haven. She was 69.
She was born on August 12, 1953 in Damariscotta, Me. to Edward Eugene Benner Jr. and Alphra Rose Morton. She was raised with her family in Maine and then lived between Maine and Connecticut for many years. She settled on Martha’s Vineyard around 1986 and lived her life here surrounded by the love of her large family and many friends.
She was a very loving and caring woman who took care of, loved and adored her large family, both near and far. She held extreme dedication and admiration for her husband, dog, daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers and sisters, and always made time for all of them.
Kathy was a very hard worker and was known to be the best at all she did. She had many professions, including dietary technician, home health aide and certified nursing aide. She owned, operated and worked her own company, KB Painting and Cleaning, and managed properties for her clients. She was a busy woman but was still always there to help others in any way she could, no matter what the situation.
Kathy is survived by her husband of 33 years, Thomas Alfred Berninger, and their loyal companion Sneaky; her daughter Deada Dee Benner; step-daughter Mary Berninger Marcelino; grandchildren Chea Laypool, Angelique Benner Laypool, Charles Laypool 3rd, Tatiane Marcelino, Lukas Marcelino and Kristiano Marcelino; great-grandchildren Serenity, Ajiona, Joziah, Marcella, Bentley, Marcel Jr., Tobias and Naila; her sister Nellie Benner; brothers Gerald Benner, Richard Salerno, Carmen Salerno, Lester Benner and his wife Laura Benner, Thomas Benner and his wife Elizabeth Benner; brother in law Mark Azukas; sister in law Jean Benner; and her many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents; step-daughter Sarah Berninger; brothers Clifford Earl Collins, Danny Benner, Edward E. Benner 3rd, Henry Benner and Virgil Benner; and her sisters Shirley Patricia Benner, Georgia Azukas, and Clarion Sullivan and her husband Kenneth Sullivan.
The family will be organizing a celebration of life with a small gathering graveside in Vineyard Haven. The time and date will be announced at a future time.
Visit chapmanfuneral.com for online condolences and information.
