Obituary of Mary Benn

January 2, 1933 - Robin Hood, Yorkshire, England

October 15, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

Mary Benn, beloved wife of Peter Benn, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, October 15, 2021 at the age of 88 years.

Mary was born, January 2, 1933 and grew up in the hamlet of Robin Hood, Wakefield, Yorkshire, England.  After marrying the love of her life on November 7, 1953, they travelled and lived in many places including, Awali, Bahrain; Regina, SK; Houston, Texas; and Edmonton, AB, before settling in the Calgary Area in 1971. Mary and Peter spent most of their retirement between their Balzac, AB acreage and Tucson, AZ. and later Crossfield, AB. 

Mary graduated from the Leeds School of Nursing with her Nursing Certificate.  When her children were in school she upgraded her nursing to a Registered Nurse status in Edmonton, AB.  After a work injury saw her unable to continue her career, she went back to the University of Calgary, and completed an English Degree, followed by a History Degree.

Mary was a member of the Samaritan Club of Calgary, and enjoyed participating in the many fundraising events they did throughout the year, to help the working poor. Her favorite was the year she helped knit many sets of Santa and Mrs. Claus decorations that were sold during their yearly art sale.  She was extremely proud of the volunteer work she did with the Glenbow Museum as a Docent for the Interpretation Department and as a research volunteer in the Archives Department. She was featured in their Profile of a Volunteer in 1991 and was awarded the “Glenbow Significant Treasure Award Nomination.”

Mary found joy in simple things including conversation with friends and family, knitting, gardening, hiking, baking, and the joy of loving and caring for her, husband, children, grandchildren and many animals. One of her greatest joys was to travel the world many, many times with Peter, including two trips to Nepal; four trips to Australia and New Zealand; and many European and North American trips; and their final trip in 2020 around South America.

She will be most remembered for her kindness and love of life.

Besides her loving husband, Mary is survived by her two children, Robert James Benn (Laurie) of Medicine Hat, and Helen Mary Gitzel (Gerry) of Airdrie, AB; nine grandchildren, Melanie David (Cam) Medicine Hat, AB, Michael Benn (Lisa) Vancouver, BC, Priscilla Kennedy (Michael) Airdrie, AB, James Benn (Amber) Moose Jaw, SK, Katrina Faller (Craig) Airdrie, AB, Christopher Gitzel (Brianna) Airdrie, AB, Mikaela Benn, High River, AB, Lauren Benn (Brandon) Hughenden, AB, Jacob Benn, New Denver, BC; and her eight great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Kaleb, Briar, Roland, Brielle, Joslyn, Jordan and Gavin.  She also leaves behind her sister, Margaret Spencer in Wakefield, England; and her niece and three nephews, Nigel (Gill), Stuart (Sallie) Michael (Ruth) and Louise.

Mary was predeceased by her son Richard Benn; Richard’s wife Dani; her parents Hilda and Thomas Stephenson; and her brother, Jack Stephenson.

A Celebration of Life will be held, on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Benn’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In-lieu of flowers the family asks that you please make a donation to: Tails to Tell Animal Rescue Service, in Crossfield, AB or The Red Cross.

In living memory of Mary Benn, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Airdrie, 300 Towerlane Drive, Airdrie, AB T4B 3L8, Telephone: 403-948-1100.

Thank you for joining us for the live-streaming of this event

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Click Here to View Mary Benn's Memorial Card