Candice BENN

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BENN: Candice Thelma Benn “Mahpiya Homni Win” of Canupawakpa Dakota Nation passed away peacefully at the Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, MB on August 30, 2012, with her family by her side. Candice began her journey to the Spirit World at the age of 43 years old. Candice was born September 17, 1968 in Virden, MB to Wallace and Melinda Benn. She was the youngest daughter and grew up on the Canupawakpa Dakota Nation, MB. Candice attended Virden schools from Kindergarten to Grade 12. She graduated from Virden Collegiate Institute in 1986 with an award in Math. She was a strong believer in education and continued her education at Assiniboine Community College until the passing of her older sister. She put her education on hold to raise her infant niece Marissa as her own daughter along with two nephews Waylon and Jared. Candice loved children and she loved working at Wambdi Iyotaka School for six years as an Educational Assistant. She volunteered her time and kindness at community events over the years for the children she loved. She was a member of the Grad Committee for many years. The community knew what a big heart Candice had as she always gave back even during her illness. She recently made a big basket of fry bread and sent it with her Aunt to the local Sundance. Candice enjoyed playing bingo, playing cards and doing word puzzles. She also liked making crafts with her children and loved decorating her home and her mother’s home on special occasions like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Halloween. Candice loved going to powwows to watch the dancing and listen to the drumming and singing. She attended powwows in Sioux Valley, Birdtail Sioux, and most recently in Regina, SK. Candice will be missed from the Kahominis “round dances”, she enjoyed going and dancing. She enjoyed going out to the Pipestone Congregate Meals to socialize. Candice was a proud Mom who loved her children and knew what to say to make them feel better. Candice loved her Takojapi “grandchildren” and was a proud Kunsi “grandmother”. “Whirlwind Woman” leaves to cherish her memory: Beloved husband Sylvannus Chaske; sons Wallace Cody Benn (Sheila) and Garrett Chaske; daughters Natasha Chaske and Marissa Benn; nephews Waylon and Jared Elk; grandchildren Karter and Keanu Bell, Sadie Jane and Dakota Norris Elk, Janiece Elk, Payton and Shaniece; loving mother Melinda Benn (Eastman); brothers Farrell Benn, Walter, Stanley and Laverne Benn; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. Candice was predeceased by her father Wallace Benn; sisters Valerie Dianne and Gwenlynn Rose Benn and Loretta Benn; and brother Norris Ivan Benn. A Traditional Wake was held September 4, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. and funeral service was held September 5, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Canupawakpa Community Complex. Interment was at Canupawakpa Cemetery. The family would like to say Wopida “Thank You” to Dr. B. R. Riche, Dialysis staff, ICU staff and 4th Floor staff of Brandon Regional Health Centre, Reston and Virden Ambulance staff, Canupawakpa Health Medical drivers, Virden Hospital, Carscadden Funeral Home, pallbearers, Traditional Officiate Stewart Brown, Dakota Travels Drum Group and Prayer Groups. Also, Wopida to all who gave sympathy cards, phone calls, food, flowers and all who visited the family during this difficult time.

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 17, 2012