IRMA MARGARET BENNETT

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IRMA MARGARET BENNETT Irma Margaret Bennett, 96, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2010 at Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg surrounded by family. Irma was born to Albin and Esther Martinson on December 17, 1913 in Little Falls, Minnesota. She grew up in Bickleigh, Saskatchewan. In 1925, at the age of 12, a memorable family trip was taken through Winnipeg by train en route to visit the Minnesota relatives. In 1936, she married Reginald Bennett. They shared over 60 years together. Irma and Reg lived in many different places spending the majority of their years in northern Saskatchewan. They both loved entertaining. Many friends and family have fond memories of hot chocolate and puffed wheat squares shared on Friday night skating at the farm. They also lived in northern BC for seven years before returning to the farm in Saskatchewan. She had a tremendous love for learning and pursued a career as a teacher, inspiring many. She had an amazing way with children, bringing out the best in all her students. Mrs. Bennett - as she preferred to be known as - was a special teacher. She loved a good story and could always recount heartfelt memories with great detail. She had an extensive vocabulary and loved to express herself using creative metaphors. For example, even recently, when she was thirsty, she would comment on the dust storm in her mouth. Her passion for writing continued throughout her life and in later years, she wrote Weekly Meditations for the Meadow Lake Progress. As well, she delighted in putting on the school play - making costumes for the students, creating much out of little. She was a teacher well advanced for her time, pioneering in home schooling. All of her nine children had her as a teacher at some point. The Christmas program was her greatest joy and it was always a hit with Mrs. Bennett at the helm. Her most recent concert was held in 2008 at Middlechurch Home complete with the treasured Japanese orange and candy bag! Special thanks to all the staff at Pioneer Lodge in Meadow Lake, SK and to Middlechurch Home of Winnipeg for their care and support. Funeral service will be held in Rapid View, SK on September 11, 2010.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 08, 2010