Faye Cox Benson

Our proud and loving matriarch Faye Atherton Cox Benson died peacefully on June 21, 2015 at age 93 surrounded by her family who adored her.

A life-long San Diegan, Faye was born November 19, 1921, the only child of Leoline and Warren Cox. She was a graduate of San Diego High School class of 1939, faithfully attending reunions with her classmates until the last one was held in 2011.

She met the love of her life Kenneth Benson while working as a bank teller. Ken made a bet he could nab a date with her and won— they were married for 61 years until his death in 2003.

Faye worked for 29 years for San Diego County, serving 19 years as the Board of Supervisors’ office manager and receptionist. Her retirement was marked by Faye Benson Day in 1993.

With her big, stunningly clear baby blue eyes, Faye perfected a wide-eyed look she could use to charm anyone. She was intelligent and a wordsmith and loved working her way through the daily crossword puzzle. She loved music and given the opportunity would kick off her shoes and dance, the life of the party. There was always coffee and bacon in her kitchen and treats for visitors and grandkids, like her famous toffee. She enjoyed the ocean and soaking up the sunshine, the blooming flowers in her yard and clam chowder from Anthony’s.

The proudest accomplishment of Faye’s life was building a family and serving as its center, its heart. She leaves behind her son Ken and his wife Christie, daughters Kathryn, Kristina and Kerri and sons-in-law Paul Billing, Greg Cosgrove and Rob Tweed. She will be deeply missed by her ten grandchildren (many of whom affectionately called her “G-mo”), her six great-grandchildren and many neighbors and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ken, daughter Martha Melinda and grandson Kyle. Faye will be laid to rest with her husband at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Faye’s memory be given to the MS Society (nationalmssociety.org) and the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation (sp-foundation.org).