LYNNE HEYWOOD (BENSON)

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LYNNE HEYWOOD (nee BENSON) On Monday, December 21, 2015 surrounded by the love of her family, M. Lynne Heywood passed away at the age of 72 years. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Jennifer and Leslie; sons-in-law, Kevin and Michael; four precious granddaughters, Jessie, Sarah, Jordan and Kate; special friend and brother Rob; sisters, Beverly, Rosemary (Denis), Terry (Pat); sister-in-law Cheryl; many in-laws, nieces, nephews and close friends. Lynne was predeceased by her husband Brant, mother Marjorie, father Edward, mother-in-law Norma, father-in-law Harry, brother Michael, sister Barbara Anne and brother-in-law and dear friend Dean. Lynne was born in June 1943, the sixth child of Edward Benson and Marjorie Schinold. Until her marriage to Brant Heywood in 1965, Lynne lived in the family home on McMillan Avenue which was a magical time for Lynne. She attended La Verendrye School and followed in the footsteps of her siblings attending St. Ignatius Catholic School and St. Mary's Academy. She could be found at La Verendrye School skating rink, building snow forts with the neighbors, or sliding down the river bank. The front streets, back lanes and vacant lots were used as playgrounds for the Benson children and their neighborhood friends. When they heard their father's whistle, the family knew it was time to head home. Summers were spent at Earl Grey Community Club, Camp Morton on Lake Winnipeg and the farms of the Saskatchewan Schinolds. Throughout high school Lynne earned money by working at her father's hardware store. Saturday nights she and her friends headed off to C.Y.O held in the St. Ignatius Church Hall. Following her high school graduation Lynne entered the work force where she was employed by a local insurance company and later at the United States Consulate General where she worked until 1966. Lynne met future husband Brant Heywood in 1962 at a New Year's Eve party and they were married in 1965 at St. Ignatius. Brant, before his demise in 1990, worked as a Producer/Director for CBC Sports which required many business trips away so Lynne managed on her own. During this time Lynne was actively involved in the River Heights community, serving terms on the Board of Sir John Franklin, St. John Brebeuf School Parents Guild/School Board and volunteering at various church events. Lynne went back to work in 1983 in the office at St. John Brebeuf School and then in 1988 she accepted a job at St. Mary's Academy and remained a dedicated employee until her retirement in 2006. Lynne was very proud to be an Associate of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary and treasured her many SNJM friends and community members. Lynne was a beautiful woman with a great sense of humor and she always had a warm smile to share. Her love and generosity is a gift that many will cherish. Her family meant everything to Lynne. She was an amazing role model and nothing made her happier than spoiling her granddaughters or getting into a heated debate at the dining room table over a glass of white wine. But the last few years of Lynne's life were challenging due to the affects of Alzheimer's disease. Leaving her Deerfield Village condominium was not the path she wanted but she continued to be grateful for the gifts of family and friends and had a devoted group of regular visitors; she never spent a day without seeing a special familiar face. Jen and Les would like to express their deepest gratitude to the amazing, loving and supportive angels on Simkin2 at the Simkin Center. Thank you for taking care of Lynne-Lynne. The family is also grateful for the many kind gestures that were extended to Lynne by friends and neighbours. In keeping with mom's wishes, cremation has taken place and a funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Brebeuf Catholic Church, 1707 John Brebeuf Place, with interment to follow at a later date. Reception will be held in the basement following the mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Lynne to the MS Society of Canada. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 26, 2015