BERNICE BENSON (SOBIESKI)

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BERNICE BENSON (nee SOBIESKI) On Friday, May 12, 2006 at Donwood Personal Care Home, beloved wife of Fred Benson, passed away at the age of 87 years. Besides her husband, she is survived by her son Ron (Anne), daughter Judi Karpyn; grandchildren; Cheryl Guanci (Tony), Kevin, Darin (Sandra), Jason (Lisa), Tara LaBerge (Dean); great-grandchildren: Elijah and Samuel. She also leaves to mourn her sisters Stella, Kathleen, Olga and brother Peter. She was predeceased by her mother Pauline, father Stanley, second father Mike Holowchuk, brother Bill Holowchuk, and son-in-law Taras Karpyn. Bernice was born at 121 Talbot Ave. in Winnipeg on September 21, 1918. As a child, she moved with her family to Savant Lake, ON where following the death of her second father Bernice helped raise her five siblings. As a teenager, she moved back to Winnipeg where she resided with extended family and attended St. John's High School and Success Business College. Through Nick Swatiuk and her cousin Nellie, Bernice met the love of her life Fred in 1935. They married 69 years ago, on September 26, 1936 in Winnipeg. In 1949, they built their dream home at 223 Midwinter Ave which Bernice designed. In the following 53 years, their home was a focal point for many gatherings of family and friends. In November 2002, Bernice entered the Donwood Personal Care Home and Fred moved into the adjoining Donwood Manor to be near his sweetheart. Music was one of Bernice's greatest passions. As a young girl, she danced at the Ukrainian Labour Temple. During their retirement years, Fred and Bernice participated in pattern dancing, performing at various nursing homes throughout the city. Bernice was also an accomplished seamstress and her hobbies included sewing and needlework. She also enjoyed playing scrabble, card games and pool. During her latter years, she willingly participated in numerous Alzheimer's research studies. Bernice will be sadly missed and always remembered for her caring nature and endless will to help others. Many thanks to the angels on the 1st floor of the Donwood Personal Care Home who cared for Bernice during her stay. We thank God for your love and kindness. A funeral service will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel (1442 Main St.) on Tuesday, May 16 at 12 p.m. with Chaplin Laura Friesen officiating. Interment to follow at Elmwood Cemetery. Following the interment, refreshments will be served at a reception at Donwood Manor, 165 Donwood Drive. If friends so desire, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba, 120 Donald St., R3C 4G2. VICHNAYA PAM'YAT EVERLASTING MEMORY CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 15, 2006