DONA LILLIAN HICKS (BENSON)

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DONA LILLIAN HICKS (nee BENSON) March 29, 1927 - March 5, 2010 Peacefully, on March 5th, Dona passed away following a brief illness. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 56 years James; sons Brian and Robert; and daughter Dona;, granddaughters Angela, Charity, Quest and Chantal; grandsons Brander and Daniel; and great-grandson Elijah. Dona was the only child of Gudlaug (Lily) Fjelsted Benson. She received her education in the public schools in Winnipeg and graduated from Daniel MacIntyre High School. After graduation, she worked as stenographer/ secretary for 10 years at the Manitoba Telephone System, where she met her husband Jim. They were married on September 26th, 1953. Dona spent many interesting and fulfilling hours in activities which were not available to her while she was growing up. She studied piano and Music theory and, in 1976 she received a Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto certificate, Grade X (Honors). After receiving this degree, she taught piano and music theory for several years. Also, in the 1970's and 1980's she studied at the University of Manitoba, and at the age of 60, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Women's Studies. She participated in Peer Counseling Training and also spent many hours of volunteer work at the Children's Hospital Book Market. Dona was very fortunate to be able to travel in North America, The Caribbean, Europe and the Far East. She enjoyed her role as wife, mother, and Amma (Grandmother), and her long time hobby - sketching and oil-painting. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 11th at 1:30 p.m. at Westworth United Church (1750 Grosvenor Ave. at Lanark St.) with Rev. Clark Saunders officiating. Many thanks to the staff at the Riverview Health Center for their excellent care and kindness to Dona. Memorial donations in Dona's memory to the Riverview Health Center, Palliative Care Unit, 1 Morley Cove, would be appreciated. THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 08, 2010