Catherine Gehrke Benfield, Ph.D.

HUDSON - Catherine Gehrke Benfield, Ph.D., 75, passed away peacefully in Hudson, OH on August 6, 2022. Born to parents, Dorothy (Fischer) and Robert A. Gehrke, on New Year’s Day, 1947, in Fond du Lac, WI, she graduated from Ripon High school in 1965, then attended Lawrence University before graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1970. An accomplished flutist, Cathy worked as an admissions counselor at the Interlochen School of Arts in Interlochen, Michigan, and eventually became the Associate Dean of the Music Conservatory of Oberlin College. It was during that time that she met her best friend and love of her life, Dr. Gary Benfield. They were married in 1988 at Hale Farm Village and lived in Medina, OH. Cathy returned to school to earn her doctorate degree in counseling psychology from the University of Akron. Her thesis was a collaborative effort with Gary, combining his expertise in neonatology and her passion for understanding and counseling families through the grieving process. She practiced in Medina and Oberlin and loved her work.

In 2005, Cathy and Gary moved to Chapin, SC, where they enjoyed a wonderful life on Lake Murray, Cathy continuing her practice and Gary writing children’s books. They enjoyed their community, were active in the rotary club, and enjoyed the slower pace of southern life. Many evenings would find them eating Subway sandwiches on their pontoon boat, dog Molly at their feet.

Cathy loved strong, black coffee, multi-colored toe socks, the Bee Gee’s, bloody marys with extra blue cheese stuffed olives, and swimming. She was an advocate for supporting the arts and held a special place in her heart for dogs.

We remember Cathy for her sharp intellect, her gentle soul, and the open, up-for-anything way she approached life. Cathy knew who she was, lived her life unapologetically, and always encouraged us to do the same.

Cathy is survived by her brother, Robert J. Gehrke (Sarah); niece, Johnna Gehrke Knoke (Andy) of Ripon; nephew, Erik Gehrke (Jennifer) of Ripon; stepdaughters, Terree Brncick (Greg) of Michigan, Laura Weimer (Dan) of Pennsylvania, and Cindy Kelley (Mike) of Ohio; brother-in-law, Eric (Paulann) of North Carolina, and many great nieces, great nephews, and step grandchildren.

The family is very grateful for the exceptional care provided by the staff at the Hudson Grande Senior Living facility and the Traditions Health Hospice team.