Margaret “Maggie” Ann McNulty Benefiel, 83, Lawrence, died January 27, 2024, at LMH Health following a short battle with cancer.
Maggie was born February 6, 1940, on the family farm outside of Coffeyville, Kansas, the daughter of Joseph Frederick and Mildred Louise (Wynns) McNulty. She graduated from Field Kindley High School, Coffeyville, in 1958, the University of Kansas with a degree in education in 1962 and later a master’s degree in education from Cleveland State University.
Maggie lived in Cleveland, Ohio for many years and taught high school English in the Cleveland public schools for 33 years. After retirement she moved to Wichita where she resided until moving to Lawrence in 2022 to be closer to family.
She married Donald Solocier in 1964. They divorced. Maggie married Tom Benefiel at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Coffeyville, Kansas on November 6, 2003. He survives at the home.
Besides her husband, Maggie is survived by her brother Joe (Shirley) McNulty, Gardner, Kansas, three step-children, Greg (Helen) Benefiel, Lawrence, Kansas, Mike Benefiel, Osage Beach, Missouri, and Julie Benefiel, Aurora, Colorado, five step-grandchildren, David Benefiel, Lawrence, Rachel Benefiel (Alex Garcia), London, England, Taylor Benefiel, Overland Park, Kansas, Kyle Benefiel, Kansas City, Missouri, and Katie Benefiel, Overland Park, Kansas, and nieces and nephews, Celeste (Clif) Harden, McKinney, Texas, Michael McNulty, Gardner, Kansas, Diane Scott, Lawrence, Kansas, David (Marilynn) McNulty, Gilberts, Illinois, Tamela (David) Eitle, Indianapolis, Indiana, Elizabeth McNulty (Larry Abel), Lenoir City, Tennessee, Fred Tauz, Bentleyville, Ohio, and Paul (Christine) Brooks, Paradise, Michigan.
Maggie was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Mildred “Louise” McNulty Cole, a brother, Robert “Francis” McNulty, and two nephews, Doug Cole and Daniel McNulty.
Maggie was a beloved wife, sister, aunt, great aunt, and a devoted friend and neighbor who will be terribly missed. As an English teacher she positively impacted thousands of students in the Cleveland Public Schools. Her interests also included the arts, reading, travel, volunteering, and education. Maggie was a generous patron of the arts and a longtime member and supporter of the Episcopal church.
Friends may call from noon to 7 p.m. Friday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence. The family will meet with friends at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 613 S. Elm St., Coffeyville, Kansas, beginning on Saturday, February 3rd, beginning at 10:00 prior to the service.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 613 S. Elm St., Coffeyville with burial following at Restlawn Cemetery, Coffeyville.
The family suggests memorials to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Coffeyville, sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 1260 Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
Aunt Maggie was such a kind and generous person. I feel lucky to have had her in my life because she made such a positive impact on me. I will never forget the weekends I spent at her house in Cleveland Heights and all the fun things we used to do. I will miss her.
Helen, Greg and David – we are so sorry for your loss.
My cousin Margaret was beautiful, gracious and lived her faith always. She used her boundless energy to connect and help others. She brought Tom into the McNulty-Wynns family where he fit right into the chaos of our reunions and family events. I am so grateful we became closer over the years and for her presence in my family’s life.
Maggie was the heart of the Wynns family, the McNulty family, and all of the “families” she made during her life. She was a loving force of caring, and we miss her. Thinking of her and Tom on her birthday.
My condolences to Tom and all of the family. I am so saddened with this news. She was such a force in the world but so humble and kind to all who fell in her path. Much love, Maggie! You live a full and wonderful life!!
I taught with Maggie at Aviation High School in Cleveland where she was a beloved teacher and mentor to many students. We also started an investment club and shared many good times. She will be missed!
I loved Maggie and will miss her. She and I were on Altar Guild together at St. Stephens. She was always so fun and so sweet with my grandkids. I remember she shared a birthday with my granddaughter and even gave her a gift once. One sweet but feisty
lady
My Aunt Maggie was the best! Words cannot describe what a loss this is for our family because she was so very much loved. I will forever be grateful for the time spent with her over the years. There are so many memories I will cherish for the rest of my life. Much love to Uncle Tom and the entire family.
Our condolances to her family. You were not only Marilyn’s cousin , you were her very best friend. We shall miss you.