Oct. 25, 1921 - May 31, 2009

Constance "Connie" Marie Benston, 87, died at her residence at Friendship Terrace in Homer May 31, 2009, surrounded by family. A memorial service is at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 14, 2009, at Friendship Terrace. As she requested, her ashes will be scattered across Kachemak Bay.

Connie was born in Yakima, Wash., Oct. 25, 1921, to Sylvester David and Gertrude Kolkman Mazen. The family traveled to Alaska aboard the M.S. Boxer in July 1926, sailing from Seattle to Kotzebue, and continuing by smaller boat to the tiny village of Selawik, where her father was assigned as a teacher.

The Mazen family remained in Selawik for two years, before relocating to a new assignment at Cape Prince of Wales. While at Cape Prince of Wales, Connie's brother, Sylvester "Sandy" David, was born at the closest hospital in Teller. The family lived in Shaktoolik from 1928-1934, and then moved to Nome, where Connie's youngest brother, Glenn, was born.

During her early teens, Connie spent several years living with her maternal grandmother in Yakima, Wash., eventually returning to Nome. After her return, Connie worked with the local telephone company.

Also after her return, Connie met William "Bill" Benston and the couple married in 1942. Bill died three months later, leaving a pregnant Connie to give birth to the couple's son, Corey David Benston, in Nome, in 1943. She and her young son moved to Portland, Ore., to live with Bill's mother.

Connie continued her career in the telephone industry after moving to Portland, as well as when she relocated to Seattle, Wash.

Upon retirement, after 37 years with AT&T, Connie moved to Port Townsend, Wash. She gave many hours volunteering at nearby libraries and hospitals. She also spent several years compiling her mother's correspondence documenting the family's first two years in Alaska, publishing it in book form as "Mother's Diary of Alaska."

Connie performed with Sweet Adelines International. A talented knitter, her sweaters, blankets and other creations brought smiles to those with whom they were shared. She enjoyed traveling, and visited many different countries. Her green thumb was evident by colorful flower gardens wherever she lived. She also was known for her love of cats, all of whom she affectionately called "Molly."

Connie returned to Alaska in 2005, settling in Homer, to be close to her brother, Sandy, and other family members.

"She set an example to me and my sister regarding the value and strength of women and I'm proud to say that we have followed her lead. She was greatly loved by her son, the same love he lavished on his own children," said granddaughter Jennifer Marrow.

"By how she lived her life, my grandmother taught me the value of travel, exploring different cultures and striving to remain always curious and questioning of the world around you," said granddaughter Lisa Benston.

"When I was 10 years old my grandma took me to see Star Wars. She was not a huge sci-fi fan as far as I knew, but we stood in the rain for hours, in a line that wrapped around the block. When the movie opened with the spaceship flying into the screen from behind, both of us ducked in our seats. That day, we were simpatico. It affects at a fundamental level my image of my grandma," said grandson David Benston.

"Connie was such a strong woman. She lived through so many trials in her life, but she thought of herself as a survivor -- and she was," said niece Tina Seaton.

"For me, Connie's legacy was her book. It gave me a strong connection with Connie and I admired her ability to adapt to her ever-changing surroundings. It also bridged the generation gap, enabling me to learn how amazing Gertrude was, since I didn't have the opportunity to know her well." said niece Janelle Orth.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Sylvester David and Gertrude Kolkman Mazen; her husband, Bill; her brother, Glenn; and her son, Corey.

She is survived by her brother, Sandy Mazen and his wife, McKibben, of Homer; her grandchildren, David Benston and his wife Kara, of St. Maries, Idaho, Jennifer Marrow and her husband Jeremie of Missoula, Mont., and Lisa Benston of Houston, Texas; her great-grandchildren, Jasper Aiden and Maizy Adelle Benston of St. Maries, Idaho, and Ruben Morrow of Missoula, Mont.; niece Tina Seaton and her husband Paul and two children, Tawny and Rand, of Homer; niece Janelle Orth and her husband, Al, of Pearl City, Hi.; nephew Bruce Mazen and his wife Pamela and two sons, Nicholas and Declan, of Glendale, Calif., nephew Steve Mazen and his wife Brenda of Homer; her long-time partner, Norman Belcourt of Seattle; and her feline companion, Mikey, sometimes known as "Molly."