Karen N. (Ogin) Benzie

Karen N. Benzie, of New Lebanon, NY, formerly of Lee, MA died July 03, 2023 at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. She was born July 31, 1943, in Kingston, PA, daughter to the late Robert and Gertrude Christmas Ogin.

A 1961 graduate of Plymouth High School in Plymouth, PA.  Karen attended Geisinger Medical Center School of Nursing, Danville, PA, and in 1964 passed the State Board Examination. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Western New England University, and post-graduate MBA studies from Wilkes University and Western New England College.

Throughout her career at Geisinger Medical Center and Berkshire Medical Center she was a registered nurse, Ambulatory Care Administrator, Nursing Administrator, Director of Infection Control, and assisted with starting and growing Tel-A-Nurse throughout Pennsylvania.  Prior to retiring in 2015, she was Vice President of Quality and Safety.  Karen was truly devoted to her patients, treating them with tender care and compassion.

Karen enjoyed golfing, cross country skiing, horseback riding, painting, pottery, and traveling. Since childhood, she played the piano and was an accompanist for Lee High School musicals.   Her true talent shined through her love of gardening and took great pride in her beautiful flower beds.  If there was anything she was prouder of it would be her family.  She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She was preceded in death by husband James W. Benzie on May 31, 2001; and sister, Cheryl.

Surviving are husband Louis Gainer, of New Lebanon, NY; daughter, Deborah Freeth (husband Gilroy), Las Vegas, NV; son, Christopher Benzie (wife Denise), Lee, MA; seven grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; brother, Robert Ogin Jr., Kingston, PA; niece, Cheryl and nephew, Robbie.

A gathering to honor Karen will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2023 from 2:00 – 5:00pm at the Benzie’s Barn, 1045 Cape Street Lee, MA  01238. 

Anyone wishing may make donations in her memory to Soldier On of Pittsfield in c/o the Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main Street, Lee, MA  01238.  If you would like to leave a message of condolence or share pictures or stories please visit our website at www.kellyfuneralhome.net