Mary E. Benally

Mary Eileen Benally (née Colgan), 80, passed away May 21, 2025 in Albuquerque, NM. Mary was born on August 15, 1944 in Kingston, NY to Francis J. and Genevieve M. Colgan. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Kevin J. Colgan (2001), and her sister in-law Martha Colgan (2025). She is survived by her three daughters Katie Benally (Jose Reynoso) of Las Vegas, NV, Meghan Benally (Brian Juan) of Albuquerque, NM, and Mary Benally of Brooklyn, NY; as well as one grandson Niko Reynoso of Las Vegas, NV. She is also survived by nieces Sarah Colgan (Somerville, MA) and Siobhan Colgan (Carrboro, NC) and nephew Matthew Colgan (Greene, NY) and all their families. Mary was previously married to the late Freddie Benally (2006). She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws from her marriage.

Mary was born with an innate intellectual curiosity. Her early education sparked a lifelong passion for scholastics. In high school, she majored in mathematics, science and French. She was the valedictorian of the 1962 Deposit Central School graduation class. Mary went on to study at Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart, in Purchase, NY and earned a bachelor's degree in economics in 1966.

Her early years of employment included work with the Department of Labor in New York City, NY. Mary often recalled her joyous, youthful days of tootling around New York City on her scooter. She enjoyed her time in New York but was captivated by a photograph of the Southwest. It was that photo that spurred Mary to load up her VW Bug and move to Arizona. She followed a long-term career with the U.S. Forest Service through Arizona, Washington, DC, Ogden, UT, and Asheville, NC. She also worked for the Navajo Nation and the New York State Unified Court System.

Mary was a devoted reader and NY Times crossword puzzle solver who closely followed news and politics. She studied classical piano in her youth and later served as church organist and shared her talent with countless friends and family. She also played the flute and clarinet, and was a skilled whistler.

Mary's brilliance was matched only by her extraordinary way with people. She had a kind and generous spirit, always ready to pause everything to listen to someone in need. Mary cherished her roles as a friend, mother, and grandmother. Her gentle laugh, sparkling blue eyes, and sweet nature will be remembered by all who loved her.

The world is smaller without Mary.

A Requiem Mass will be offered on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Deposit, NY. Interment will be in St. Peter's Cemetery, Liberty, NY. In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations to the Alzheimer's Association.