Kathleen Ann (Russell) Bendixen

December 6, 1949 - October 8, 2025

Kathleen A. Bendixen passed away at the McCarthy Care Center after a long struggle with failing health. Born in Brockton, MA to Catherine A. (Brennan) and Michael T. Russell, Kathy grew up in a large extended family, spending many summers in Onset, MA. She attended St. Patrick School and Graduated from Cardinal Spellman High School. She earned an undergraduate degree from Cardinal Cushing College and a Masters degree from Bridgewater State College. She taught for thirty years at the Arnone School. She was a Reading Specialist and created many innovative programs to help students and their families develop a love of reading. She was also an advocate for education and served as the Vice President of the Brockton Education Association.

In 1981, Kathy welcomed her daughter Leigh into the world. She made a home and built a life for them first in Brockton and then in North Easton. She was involved in school, church and civic organizations. Despite recurrent illness, Kathy was an energetic worker and freely shared her time and talents. She was especially excited about her work: 1) welcoming new Catholics into the church and preparing them to receive the sacraments; 2) serving on the Board of the Ames Library to promote literacy; and 3) supporting programs at My Brother's Keeper that help families in need. In addition, Kathy made good friends that have stayed close and supportive of one another despite distance and change.

After retiring from the Brockton Public School Department, Kathy earned a second Masters degree from Boston College and began her second career in pastoral ministry at Sacred Heart Church in Quincy. She also continued her work in ministry in parishes in North Easton and Mashpee.

Five years ago, Kathy moved to Mashpee where she enjoyed the many activities and programs in the Southport neighborhood and Christ the King parish. Kathy's family extends sincere appreciation to the many neighbors and parishioners who have given Kathy their love and support over the course of her declining health. You brought her much joy and peace of mind.

Kathy's family also recognize the many health professionals and programs that provided excellent care to Kathy, especially the Cape Cod Visiting Nurse Association and the McCarthy Care Center.

Kathy is survived by her daughter Leigh Catherine Bendixen of South Easton; her granddaughter Mya Leanne Bendixen-Silva of Los Angeles, CA; her sister Gail Ellen Russell of Bourne, MA; many cousins; and her lifelong friend, Jane Welch of South Easton.

.

Calling hours are in the Russell & Pica Funeral Home, 165 Belmont Street, (Rt123) Brockton on Saturday, October 18th from 9:00AM to 10:30AM thence to Immaculate Conception Church, 193 Main Street, North Easton where a funeral mass will be celebrated for the repose of her soul at 11:00AM. Burial will immediately follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, 83 Canton Street, North Easton 02356. At the family's request, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kathy 's memory to My Brother's Keeper 534 Washington St. North Easton,MA 02356; Christ the King Thrift Shop, 4463 Falmouth Road, Cotuit, MA 02635; or a charity of your choice.