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LILLIAN ISABEL RANSON (BENNETT)
Born: Apr 20, 1923
Date of Passing: Oct 17, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryLILLIAN ISABEL RANSON (nee BENNETT) April 20, 1923 - October 17, 2012 At Grace Hospital, with her family holding her hands, softly stroking her hair, kissing her sleeping cheeks, 89 year old Isabel Ranson's loving heart finally stopped beating on October 17, 2012. It's the unconditional devotion she surrounded her family with that kept us secure during all those years of laughter and tears. That love will never, ever stop. Mom, Grandma was born April 20, 1923 on Dundas Street in Woodstock, Ontario to Bill and Polly Bennett. The joke in the family was that Mom's bedroom was eventually replaced by the front counter of Woodstock's downtown Tim Horton's. Mom was one of eight Bennett children: Bill, George, Eddie, Ann, Jenny, Isabel (Mom), Fred, and Molly. Mom worked in a garment factory. But with the war in Europe, her brother Eddie, a P.O.W. at Dieppe, Fred fighting on a cruiser in the English Channel, and almost every Bennett eligible in uniform; prompted her on the day she became 18 to enlist in The Women's Division of The Royal Canadian Air Force. Despite what some of her grandchildren thought, Grandma really didn't go over the top in the Big One . But she did tell her children that during the Second World War, she would pound on her top secret Teletype machine with two Generals looking over her shoulders, as they directed air-sea battles raging far out in the North Atlantic. While in Halifax, Mom met and married the love of her life, our Dad/Grandpa Larry Ranson. It was an instant and powerful attraction of opposites. Mom was always easy-going, calm, nothing ever really fazed her. Dad...well, he wasn't. But it was a love match. Dad's eyes lit up every time Mom came into the room, and Mom would always giggle when Dad told her she was a good kisser. Isabel is survived by her six children: David Ranson - Marja (Michael, Alexandra), Mary Lou - Paul Albrechtsen (Scott, David), Rick Ranson (Rebecca, Tara, Jessica), Joanne Noble - Ken Swain (Jenny, Katie, Melanie, and Andy), Rob Ranson - Kim (Derek, Lauren) and Mark Ranson - Connie (Jack, Daniel). For most of Isabel's life she was a stay at home Mom, providing calm refuge from the outside world, an audience for her rambunctious family all vying for her attention, and a rock steady moral compass. We could tell stories, exaggerate even, but Mom always knew where the line was, and excitable little children knew instantly if they had crossed it. Being an Air Force officer's wife, Isabel was often required to move an entire household and drag everything and everybody half way across Canada to our new posting. Mom never complained. Some of Mom's happiest times in Winnipeg were the years she was a librarian at St. James Public Library. Her love of books and the friends she made remained with her always. Mom recently moved to The Assiniboine Links where she was so appreciative of the way that everyone there went out of their way to treat her like someone special.' Our family appreciates how the staff and residents made her feel at home. Words cannot adequately express how thankful our family is to the staff of the ICU Unit at Grace Hospital who cared for Mom like she was a loved one. It's a testament to Isabel's character about how proud she was that she had six very different children and they all got along. To her, family was her life, and to us, Mom was everything. When God wrapped his arms around Isabel and gently took her home to Dad, Mom really did become the angel we all knew her to be. In honour of her life, a celebration will take place on Monday, October 22, at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue, with interment to be followed by a reception at Chapel Lawn Reception Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 200 - 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 20, 2012
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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My grandparents, both from England, met and were married in Woodstock, Ont. They first lived with the Bennett's (Bill), before moving to a house on Mill St. They eventually moved to Glens Falls N.Y. And raised their family. my mother (Barbara) was their youngest child. During the second war her cousin Isabel introduced Barbara to a young RAF navigator (Bob Scott), they became pen pals, they courted, they married in Windsor, Ontario and raised a family of five children in Toronto, I am the middle of the five. Mom has one surviving sister left who when I visit her in Glens Falls still remembers visiting the Bennetts in Woodstock. I came across Isabel's obit in preparing for a family reunion party in May and thought I should pay a debt of gratitude to Isabel for introducing my parents. - Posted by: Dave Scott (Distant Cousin) on: Mar 04, 2017
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Our families met long ago in Moose Jaw 1960 which I must say were great times. It is sad to see the passing of your Mom. It is wonderful the friendship shared over the many years between your Mom and my Mom. Marjorie was so happy she talked to your Mom just before she took ill and to Joanne, and Mary Lou. Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family during this difficult time. Ron Hobbs and family. - Posted by: Ron Hobbs and Family (Friend) on: Oct 25, 2012
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Joanne, my deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your mother. I recall that you would speak very lovingly about her. May those memories bring you comfort in the days to come. - Posted by: Lorraine Townsend ((former coworker)) on: Oct 23, 2012
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Joanne, I heard about the passing of your Mother through Lorraine Townsend also from Great West life. I live in Calgary now with my husband and two young daughters. Our world is so small. After reading your Mom's obituary I noticed that my Mother and my Uncle are and have been residents of the Assiniboine Links. I'm sorry for the loss of your Mother. I remember you as a wonderful person Joanne. That is a testament to the love and care your Mother gave to you. Peggy COyle Seaver - Posted by: Peggy Coyle Seaver (former workmate with Joanne Noble at Great West life.) on: Oct 21, 2012
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Rob, so sorry to hear about your Mom's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With deepest sympathy. Connie and Roger - Posted by: Connie LoVasco Burch (Rob's former work colleague at The North West Company) on: Oct 21, 2012
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You were so priviledged to have such a loving and devoted mother. Thinking of all of you. Our deepest sympathies. The Baskin family. - Posted by: Rose Marie Baskin (cousins) on: Oct 21, 2012
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Our condolences to all the Ranson children and their families. We are not alble to attend the service on Monday as we are in the southern US but we will be thinking of you. - Posted by: Hanne and Ole Hansen (Friends of the family) on: Oct 20, 2012
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Rick, this is such a wonderful tribute to your mom. Though I never met her I feel I know her now. - Posted by: Louella (One of Rick's writer friends) on: Oct 20, 2012
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The greatest Aunt and friend anyone could ever hope to have....not to mention what a wonderful mother and grandmother. She was the best! I can't think of anyone I know who was more kind and loving. Sincere condolences to all her close and extended family. She will be deeply missed. - Posted by: Mary Jane Bennett (Neice) on: Oct 20, 2012
