March 16, 1919 - January 11, 2019
Edna Bennett passed away very peacefully on January 11, 2019 at the age of 99. She is survived by her much loved children Judie (Sheldon) Ahola and Jack (Barb) Bennett, grandchildren Stephanie (Wayne), Johanne (Sean), Rebecca (Sonny), Dean (Charlie), Ryan, Jordan, Samantha, Brenda, Shalene (Ryan), and 18 great grandchildren. Edna was pre-deceased by her beloved husband Bill, sister Eileen Lawson, and daughter and son-in-law Lynne and Hubert Poschmann.
Edna was born March 16, 1919 in Vancouver, British Columbia, to parents Robert and Lillian Carswell. She enjoyed an active childhood swimming in the Fraser River, riding horses, and playing baseball. She grew into a beautiful young woman with striking red hair, artistic talents, and a flair for fashion. She married the love of her life, Bill Bennett, in 1939, which was the start of a 54 year long adventure together, ending in 1994 with Bill's death.
Edna, like many women of her generation, focussed her energies and talents on being an excellent mother and homemaker in her early years. Her home was a wonderful place with a beautiful garden, excellent meals, and an endless array of sewing and knitting projects. As a young girl, she had always been very skilled at drawing and painting, and mid-life, she returned to her love of art, first with Nanaimo Art Group, and then as an artist with the Art 10 Gallery.
Edna Bennett was a force of nature. She maintained a positive attitude throughout all the storms her life brought her. She was an excellent role model for how to live your life with grace, commitment, and joy in what you do. She loved her family deeply, and was a great friend to many.
We extend special thanks to all the excellent nursing staff and caregivers at the Lodge on 4th (Ladysmith) for their loving care to Edna in her later years.
There will be a gathering to celebrate Edna's life on Saturday, March 16th at 2 pm at First Memorial, 1720 Bowen Road, which would have been Edna's 100th birthday. Online condolences - www.mem.com