DOROTHY EDITH BENZIES

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DOROTHY EDITH BENZIES (nee MORGAN) With great sadness, but with joy in knowing that she had a long and happy life, our family announces Dorothy's passing on February 5, 2016, at the age of 97. Predeceased by Jim, her husband of 70 years; sisters, Lillian Phillips (Eddie) and Elsie Attwater (Eddie), she is lovingly remembered by son Donald (Doreen); daughter Barbara Taylor (Paul); sister Doris Minson (Bob). Holding a special place in their hearts for Grandma are Heather (Dean) Kupchenko, John Benzies, Christopher (Amy), Andrew (Lisa), Colin (Katie) Taylor and great-granddaughter Mackenzie Kupchenko. "Auntie Dolly" will be fondly remembered by her numerous nieces and nephews. Mum was born in Winnipeg, April 18, 1918, third daughter of (Jack) Harold and Grace Morgan. She grew up on Cathedral Avenue, graduating from St. John's High School and Success Business College. Mum and Dad "courted' for seven years. Old photos and family stories of trips to Winnipeg Beach, Hecla or Kenora in the model T, or on the back of Dad's motorcycle reveal Mum to be a great sport and always game for fun. Married in 1942, the war years saw Mum either working in Eaton's or waiting in Victoria or Halifax for Dad to be in port. A "modern woman" for the time, she had a driver's licence when most did not and worked part-time in Eaton's from 1958 to 1969. Mum was happiest when sharing time with family. "Dolly" was a devoted daughter and caring sister. She was a wonderful, proud wife and mother always having the time, patience and enthusiasm for us, our friends and our activities. She adored her grandchildren, spending countless hours visiting those both in and out of town. Grandma's suitcase of surprises was greatly anticipated each visit! The hours playing Rummoli, Cribbage, Scrabble and cards, taught her grandchildren more than the rules of the game. Lifetime members of Ingolf Campers' Association, Mum and Dad instilled the love of cottage life and nature in all of us. They first went to the family cottage in 1939. In the 1950s, they worked side by side to build their own cottage and then, in the 1970s, they renovated the original. So many laughs were shared over the years as Mum delighted in a "full cottage" of family, friends and dogs. Mum's Canasta Club and Sewing Club were a great source of fun and friendship, with both clubs lasting nearly 70 years. She was extremely adept at knitting and counted cross stitch. Gorgeous sweaters for grandchildren are kept to this day. Similarly, family members cherish needlework pieces, some taking nearly a year to complete. Mum was a great sports fan and loved cheering on the Jets, as well as her favourite curling teams. She tirelessly cared for Dad in her nineties and, at 95, she spent time at the cottage, flew to Alberta for her grandson's wedding and flew again to celebrate Christmas with family. Despite health issues in the last years, Mum was fiercely independent, remaining in her own home until May of 2015. The family thanks the staff at St. Boniface Hospital, as well as the staff, and her special friend Shirley, at Thorvaldson Care Centre. Cremation has taken place and we welcome you to a Service of Remembrance at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. on Friday, April 1, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. If you wish, a donation may be made to the charity of your choice, or because Mum loved all animals, especially her "granddogs", to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst St., Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 13, 2016