Patricia “Pat” Benabe

Private graveside services for Patricia “Pat” Benabe, 81, Lawrence were held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at the Oak Hill Cemetery – Natural Section, Lawrence, KS.

She died peacefully the morning of May 6, 2023 at Star Living -South in Lawrence, KS.

She was born March 2, 1942 in Bridgeport, CT the daughter of Joseph and Helen (Benchowski) Woichowski.

She was a Social Justice Activist in Lawrence and throughout much of her life. She supported a number of social justice efforts including the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee and Lawrence Coalition for Homeless Concerns. One of her favorite sayings was that “Homelessness is a visible manifestation of a society lacking social justice.”

She enjoyed volunteering, gardening, reading and collecting books. She admired modern indigenous culture and art. She donated her library to Haskell Cultural Center and Museum prior to her passing.

Survivors include her daughter, Dana Guarascio of Sarasota, FL, grandson Bobby and great-grandson Robbie; friend, Andy Brown of Lawrence.

The family suggests memorial to Arbor Day Foundation and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary 120 W. 13 ^th St.  Lawrence, KS  66044.