
08/09/2025
Catherine Jean Woodruff
October 6, 1932 ~ August 6, 2025 (age 92)
We are so sad to announce the death of Catherine Jean (Bensen) Woodruff.
Jean’s amazing family was at her side to love and support her as she moved on.
Jean had a lifelong connection to Middletown, NY. Born on October 6, 1932, she was the daughter of Frederick Henry Bensen and Helen (Dwyer) Bensen. She grew up in the house her father built at 12 Benedict Street.
Jean was educated at The Academy Avenue School, Middletown High School and was an incredibly proud member of the Keuka College class of 1954 where she earned her Registered Nurse pin. She recently celebrated her 70th College reunion with her classmates Lynn, Ann and Marilyn, it was quite a thing. She was the first in her family to attend college.
Jean was married to Charles Richard Woodruff for fifty-nine years. Charles predeceased her in 2014. Together they created and nurtured a strong, caring family. Their homes in Howells, then Wolf Lake, were full and active.
Jean is survived by her four sons, Charles F (Arlene), Mark R (Joyce), Christopher J (Joann) and Paul Bensen (Ellen) Woodruff. She is also survived by ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She is further survived by her cousins Jane Wagner and Michael Wagner. Jean was predeceased by her sister, Mary Anne Bensen and her lifelong companion and best friend Thomas Stenson. Sharp to her last day she knew everyone’s birthday, anniversary and special event. She loved her family and never missed a card, gift or greeting on those days.
While raising her family Jean also cared for others as a Registered Nurse at Horton Memorial Hospital. She finished her long career there as the director of the In-Service Department.
She was an avid Bridge and Mahjong player and enjoyed spending time with her playing partners at home and in Florida. Betty, her Florida partner in crime was precious to her. Jean was a member of the Middletown Gardens Club and The Red Hat Society.
Our family would like to thank Dr. Jeffrey Stewart for his consistent wisdom and care, Dr. John Ferguson, her doctor and more importantly, a friend, the staff at The Pines, the caring team at The Braemar Assisted Living Center where her residence was much too short and the 3rd Floor team at Garnet Medical for doing all the little things that made mom comfortable.
Friends and family may visit at Cornelius, Dodd & Connell Funeral Home, 26 Grove St., Middletown, NY on Tuesday, August 12th from 3PM-7PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, August 13th at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 8 High Street, Bloomingburg, NY.