JEAN ELIZABETH (BETTY) BENSON HARVEY

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JEAN ELIZABETH (BETTY) BENSON HARVEY On Thursday, November 13, 2008 after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer's Disease, Betty, aged 87, died peacefully at her residence in West Park Manor Personal Care Home. Betty was predeceased by her beloved daughter Patty in November 1995. Betty is survived by her husband Charles Harvey; son Bill Benson Jr. and wife Linda and grand-children, Jenna and her husband Mike, Danielle, Scott and Christopher of West Hawk Lake, son-in-law Brian Zytaruk and granddaughter Vanessa of Calgary. Charles' children, Janie Gardner, Doug Harvey, Clint Harvey and their families, as well as her first husband Bill Benson Sr. will also fondly remember her. Born in Kitchener, Ontario on August 6, 1921, Betty spent her childhood in Brantford. During her teens she moved to Winnipeg, which remained her life-long home. It was here that Betty met Bill Benson and they raised their family Patty and Bill Jr. She created a loving and caring home full of patience, support and encouragement. Betty possessed great determination and an incredible zest for life, a sense of fun and adventure, and was an inspiration to all that knew her. Betty was very active in the Junior League of Winnipeg, where she volunteered for years. Sports and fitness were always an important part of her life and she spent many enjoyable hours at the Winnipeg Winter Club pursuing her love of figure skating and tennis. Other favourite activities included cooking and entertaining, playing bridge and attending many performances of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. In 1961 a new chapter began with the purchase of the family cottage at West Hawk Lake. Betty loved lake life and spent countless hours sailing, swimming and socializing with her many friends. In winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing were favourite activities. Her passion for West Hawk Lake was passed on to her children. Bill Jr. and his family have made the family cottage their home. Betty was fortunate to find a second great love in her life. In 1991, she was married to Charles Harvey and they shared many wonderful experiences together. Some of their favourite activities included travelling to London, England to see numerous stage plays, cruise adventures, and spending time at Chas' Victoria Beach cottage. The family would like to thank the staff at West Park Manor for their compassionate care of Mom during her years of failing health. A special thank you to Janie Gardner for her unfailing support and assistance. A celebration of Betty's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2008 at: West Park Manor Personal Care Home, 3199 Grant Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Phone: 889-3330. Flowers gratefully declined. If you would like to make a donation in Betty's memory please contact: The Sunshine Fund Email: sunshinefund@mbcamping.ca 302-960 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3G 0R4, Phone: 784-1130. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 22, 2008