Katherine Marie Benkiran

Katherine M. Benkiran, 63, of Jaffrey, NH died peacefully at her home after a sudden illness on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

‘Kate’ was born on December 8, 1961 in Worcester, Massachusetts, the daughter of Sharon (Bordash) Rasku, and the late John R Rasku, Sr. She graduated in 1979 from Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester.

She later continued her education in computerized business systems and medical coding through 1992 near Boston where she met Abdelhay Benkiran of Meknes, Morocco. They soon got married, and together they began a family and enjoyed living in the communities of Winchester and Somerville, MA. Kate worked as a compliance auditor in the pathology department at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA for many years before retiring and moving to Jaffrey in 2021.

In her free time, Kate enjoyed fine art and photography. She had a keen appreciation for nature and often painted sceneries as well as arrangements of plants, flowers and seashells. She also had a talent for portraiture and has drawn many family members as well as photographed at events for her loved ones. She also enjoyed science fiction, astrology and exploring the connection people have with the natural world around them. Kate was a deeply empathetic and tender-hearted person. Her methods were quiet, but she could almost effortlessly hold a space that felt warm and understanding. She will be missed by her family and friends.

Kate was preceded in death by her father, John in 2007 and by her husband, Abdelhay in 2014.

She is survived by her mother, Sharon Rasku of Rindge, NH, and by her daughter, Hyatt Benkiran of Clinton, MA, and her son Anwar Benkiran of Keene, NH. She also leaves behind her two brothers, Thomas Rasku of Manchester, NH, and John Rasku, Jr. of Winchester, MA, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

There will be no formal services at this time, but the family is planning a celebration of Kate‘s life during the summer.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial donations in Kate’s name to the Monadnock Humane Society at 101 W Swanzey Rd, Swanzey, NH 03446.