Katharine Chase Marble Bejnar

Katharine (Kitty) Chase Marble Bejnar, 97, of Socorro, NM, died on May 1, 2021 after a natural dying process, of breast cancer, at home surrounded by family. Kitty was born on May 31, 1923 to Adelaide Holme Maghee Marble (later Putnam) (1894-1993) and John Putnam Marble (1897-1955) in Worchester, MA.
After graduating from Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC, second of 23 graduates, she studied geology at Mt. Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA as part of the ‘War Years Class’ (1941-1945). After graduation she landed a job with the U.S. Geological Society. It was at this time she met her future husband, Waldemere (Wally) Bejnar, a returned Navy officer. They married on September 7, 1947 in Washington, DC, and had children born in California, Arizona, Nigeria (Africa) and Socorro.
Kitty loved fun, especially when associated with broadening horizons. It is why she chose Wally instead of other suitors. She applied this love of life to her children as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader and the director of cadet activities in the Civil Air Patrol.
She worked as a geology lab instructor at Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM for several years and earned a master’s degree in education. She was active in the League of Women Voters and the American Association of University Women.
The family spent most summers camping, hiking, and fishing in the San Juan Mountains, above Silverton, CO. She taught her children how to repel (rock climbing) and how to identify flowers and mushrooms.
In 1979 she and Wally retired and moved back to Socorro, to the house they built in 1956. They continued their lapidary hobby and travelled extensively.
Kitty was active in the Garden Club, Socorro Friends (Quaker) Worship Group, La Comida Food Coop and was a visitor at Good Samaritan Nursing Home, especially when her mother was a resident there. She often served as treasurer of organizations she was active in.
Kitty was a capable cross-word puzzle solver and read extensively and broadly. Kitty was always responsive to questions about family history, local sites to visit and, well, nearly any topic.She stayed in touch using hand-written letters and cards throughout her life.
Kitty was predeceased by her parents and all three siblings, Richard Marble (1924-2011), Rosamond (Roz) Weis (1927-1960) and John, Jr. (1937-2001), her husband Wally (1920-2007), and a grandson, James Russell, IV (1982-1993).
She is survived by children Thaddeus Bejnar of Socorro, NM; Craig (Darla) Bejnar of Socorro, NM; Diana (Tom) Mozen of Johnson City, TN; Tarn (Michael) Stevens of Bend, OR; and Tor (Alice) Bejnar of Tallahassee, FL; five grandchildren, Kate (David) Strickland; Cirk Bejnar; Satya Stark-Bejnar (Regina Joseph); Felson (Jessica) Binger Bejnar; Krystal Lavenne, and two great-granddaughters.
To view information or leave a condolence, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com. Kitty’s care has been entrusted to:
Daniels Family Funeral Services 309 Garfield St Socorro, NM 87801 575-835-1530

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