Calling Hours Thursday, Funeral Friday
For Kathleen Galland-Bennett, Teacher
Editor’s Note: This is the complete obituary for Kathleen M. Galland-Bennett, the CCS teacher who passed away Sunday. It was released this afternoon by Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home, which is handling the arrangements.
COOPERSTOWN – Kathleen M. Galland-Bennett, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and Cooperstown Elementary School teacher, passed away following a valiant struggle with cancer Sunday afternoon, July 12, 2015, at her home. She was one day shy of her 51st birthday.
Born Kathleen Mary Galland on July 13, 1964, at Bassett Hospital, she was a daughter of State Trooper David P. Galland and Ethel Maryann (Svantner) Galland.
As a youngster she attended school in Hartwick, then later attended Cooperstown Central School, graduating with the Class of 1982. For two years Kathleen attended SUNY Cobleskill, then two years at SUNY Geneseo, receiving her master’s in Elementary Education at SUNY Oneonta.
She then joined the staff at Cooperstown Elementary School as a full-time substitute teacher. She ultimately became a third grade teacher and served as grade chair for many years. In her 29 there, she was a well-loved teaching colleague who touched the lives of many children.
Kathleen also had a passion for running and many other outdoor activities, running in 14 Boilmakers and four marathons, as well as many local triathlons. At one time she was assistant track coach at Cooperstown High School with her mentor, Connie Herzig.
Kathleen was also an avid bicyclist and, along with her girlfriends, participated in the Mount Washington Century Ride. She also enjoyed hiking, camping, boating, and taking rides on her motorcycle.
After her sister, Cyndi Galland, was diagnosed with cancer, Kathleen became active with Relay for Life and started Team Cinderblock. Even after Cyndi succumbed to her cancer, Kathleen remained active with Relay for Life.
On Feb. 23, 1990, Kathleen married Raymond R. Bennett, Jr., in a ceremony at Yaki Point, Grand Canyon National Park, and they enjoyed 25 years of marriage.
Kathleen is survived by her loving husband, Ray; their son, Army PV2 Ryon F. Bennett; her mother, Ethel Galland-Stephan, of Hartwick; two step-sisters, Joanne Kreisberg and husband, Irwin, and Carol Reiser and husband, Joseph; step-brother, John H. Stephan, Jr. and wife, Lorraine of Rahway, N.J.; brother-in-law Richard A. Bennett and wife, Holly; three sisters-in-law, Bonny A. Harris, Robin M. Aufmuth and Kelly S. Enck and husband, Bruce; two uncles, Rudy Svantner and Tom Svantner and wife, Mary; as well many nieces, nephews and cousins and their families, countless friends and colleagues, and all the children she taught throughout her career.
In addition to her father, who died on Oct. 17, 1968, and syster Cyndi, who died June 23, 2005, she was predeceased by her step-father, retired New Jersey Firefighter John H. Stephan, Sr., who died April 20, 2015; her father-in-law, Raymond R. Bennett, who died October 8, 1999; and her mother-in-law, Shirley A. Bennett, who died December 27, 2007.
Family and friends may call from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home. The funeral service is at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 17, at the funeral home, with Dr. Lee C. Edmonds officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Index, where Kathleen will be laid to rest near her sister Cyndi.
Contributions may be made to a scholarship in Kathleen’s memory. Please make checks payable to “Cooperstown Central School”, place Kathleen’s name on the memo line, and mail to the attention of the Business Office at 39 Linden Avenue, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Arrangements are entrusted to Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home.