Lois BENTLEY

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BENTLEY: Lois Evelyn Bentley. Mum passed away peacefully at Brandon Regional Health Centre on Thursday, February 18, 2010 at the age of 78 years. Born on June 20, 1931, to Sid and Bessie Bentley, Lois was the middle daughter of three. She was predeceased by her older sister Marie Saito. She is survived by only child Dolores Beckwith (Shell) of Winnipeg, granddaughter Tara (Tim) Klassen of Houston, Texas and her younger sister Beryl (Larry) Lukanuik of St. Albert, Alberta. There are also numerous nieces and nephews. To herdying day, Lois was a proud "East Ender" keeping in touch with numerous childhood friends throughout the years, both in Brandon and across Canada. Mum loved telling stories about childhood memories of skating at East End Community Centre, attending King George and Earl Haig schools, and all ofthe fun that the East End Gang had. Her first job was at A.E. McKenzie Seedsand she worked there until her marriage in 1953 to Ed Koshowski (deceased).As Ed was an army man his career often took her away from the friends andfamily she so loved. After living in Shilo, Quebec City, Petawawa andMontreal she returned home to Brandon in 1966 and had lived there eversince. Mum loved to knit. She knit for everyone and was very proud thatarticles she had knit can be found in England, Greece, the USA and all partsof Canada. She also was a Guardian Angel and knitted bonnets and booties forpreemie babies. She also knit toques for "Boomer's Legacy" to be distributedto children in Afghanistan. As Mum grew older and became frailer her lovefor animals increased. She spent many joyous hours feeding the birds andsquirrels in the yard. Over the years she had many beloved pets that sheloved and lost. Waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge are King, Paws, Ebonyand Nicki. One day her beloved cat Thomas will find her there. Lois waspassionate about causes and when she began a crusade - look out! Shesuccessfully lobbied and had two dear friends from the glory days of baseball in Brandon in the 1950's inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. The documentary "The Boys Who Came To Play" chronicles the journey. "She will be missed." At Lois's request, cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, February 24 at 2:00 p.m. at Brandon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the Brandon Humane Society, 2200 17th Street East, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 7M6.Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangementsare with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 23, 2010