Eileen Benson, 76, passed away Saturday, August 15, 2020.

Eileen was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. She was raised and lived out a life of strong Catholic faith. She attended catholic school. Eileen received the sacraments of baptism, first communion, confirmation, and marriage at St. Adalbert Catholic Church in Toledo.

As a teenager she loved the sock-hop dances and music. Her dad was a barber who cut Bill's hair. My dad never knew that "Mike the barber" had daughters until one day he saw his barber showing Eileen how to run the lawnmower. From there they dated and talked about who they were and what they wanted out of this life. Eileen always knew she wanted to raise a family. They got married and basically left town soon after to start life together as one.

The family moved around a lot before settling in Gulf Breeze in the early 70's. Wherever we moved, Mom would FIRST set up the kids bedrooms so we could relax in familiar surroundings. She always settled us in first. All the kids agree that she was full of patience and acceptance; she would listen for as long as we wanted to talk. She was a quiet observer and had a sharp intuition.

Mom constantly dabbled in work-at-home businesses while the kids were growing. When the youngest was old enough, she entered the workforce for several years. She was a successful business woman, she and Dad became co-owner and operator of two successful businesses right here in Pensacola.

Mom and Dad would love to spend evenings listening to music together. They had been to see some great shows and loved to reminisce about those adventures. A favorite place to listen and reminisce was down at the bayfront, sometimes until the battery died and a call to AAA had to be made.

Mom shared her spare time with her daughter Laury and her first grade students at Little Flower Catholic school and Longleaf Elementary school. She enjoyed reading with the children, working on puzzles, and various activities. Little children would bring a bright sparkle to Mom's eye and an even brighter smile.

She most loved listening to her family laugh together. Many gatherings, no matter at home, a restaurant, a doctor office, or even a hospital room you could hear the loudest laughter and chatter coming from this loving family.

She was selfless, strong-willed and patient. Most importantly her heart was full of love and grace.

Eileen is survived by her children; Laureen Heath, Eric Benson and Todd Benson.

Memorial Visitation will be held 9:30am until a Memorial Mass at 10:00am Saturday, August 29, 2020 at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart with Msgr. Michael Reed celebrant. Private family committal service will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.