J. Mary (Ball) Bennett

BENNETT - Our Mum, Mary Bennett (nee Ball), died Friday, September 24, 2010. She was an amazing woman, mother and wife. She was born in Hale, Cheshire, England on June 14, 1928. She worked as a Radiotherapy Radiographer at the Western Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland where she met our Dad, James Bennett. They married in December 1952 and moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba. Mum and Dad lived in Winnipeg for almost 60 years. Mum loved Manitoba, the huge skies, the see-forever prairies and the variety of life. We all have memories, some fond, of being woken before dawn so as to witness bird migrations at Oak Hammock Marsh and the garter snake dens at Narcisse. She has 6 children: Elisabeth, Peter (Sheila), Patricia (Nazir), Timothy (Laura), Nicholas (Lori) and Charles and 9 grandchildren (James and Joan, Esa, Ilyas, Jenna and Sara, Joseph, Alexandra and Olivia). She also has two brothers, Rev Fr John and Michael (Margaret) and was predeceased by her older brother Peter. Mum was the most energetic person we knew. While bringing up her children, she was an active member of the Catholic Women's League, becoming president of the Provincial Chapter League and was awarded a life membership. She ran successfully as a school board trustee in Charleswood (we all remember canvassing for her). She also volunteered at Rossbrook House, a neighbourhood drop-in centre for Winnipeg's inner city kids. She loved going to Rossbrook, and always talked to us about all the people she met there. She was a founding board member at Alpha House in Winnipeg, a refuge for abused women and their children, where she spent a lot of time and love. Mum was an avid volunteer, spending time with many people in varied organizations. Her energy and enthusiasm extended to all aspects of her life, and drew many people to her. After our Dad died in February she moved to Woodstock, Ontario to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Unfortunately we did not have enough time to enjoy her closeness as much as we had hoped. We will truly miss her and her outlook on life. Friends will be received at the Longworth Funeral Home 845 Devonshire Ave., Woodstock, on Monday, September 27, 2010 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish 904 Dundas St. Woodstock, on Tuesday at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, should they so wish, friends are invited to contribute to Rossbrook House (Winnipeg), Alpha House (Winnipeg) and Sakura House (Woodstock) in Mary's name. Online condolences at www.longworthfuneralhome.com

Visitation Details

Monday, September 27th, 2010 2:00pm - 4:00pm, Longworth Funeral Home

Monday, September 27th, 2010 7:00pm - 9:00pm, Longworth Funeral Home

Service Details

Tuesday, September 28th, 2010 11:00am