G. DOREEN BENNINGEN

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G. DOREEN BENNINGEN On January 21, 2001, G. Doreen Benningen passed away peacefully at her home in Winnipeg with her family at her side. Doreen will be sadly missed by her two daughters, Linda and husband David and their children, Sean (Violette) and Barbara Nelson of Toronto, Ont.; Alison and husband Peter and their children, Ben, Sam and Anne Burnett of Lethbridge, Alta.; her two sons, Grant (Audrey and Evan) and his children Lise, Annick, Nicolas and their mother Marielle of Winnipeg, Man., and John of Toronto; her brother Rod O.A. Hunter of Winnipeg; sister and brother-in-law Gwenneth and Wilf Goodman of Toronto; sister and brother-in-law Agnes and Lloyd Moore of Glenboro, Man.; sister-in-law Marjorie Stephen; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jack and Ren Benningen of Calgary, Alta.; many nieces, nephews and friends. She was predeceased by husband Henry J. in 1991; her siblings, W. H. Hunter and Ruth Collins; sister-in-law Doris Hunter, brother-in-law Mac Collins and grandson Grant Hunter Benningen. Doreen was born on June 21, 1919, in Mather, Man., and was raised in Baldur. In 1936 she left Manitoba to attend Teachers School in Vancouver. Upon graduation, in 1938, she began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in Laidlaw, B.C. She taught Grades 1 to 7 in this school for two years. She met her husband, Henry J. (Hank) at Clear Lake, Man. They married on December 27, 1940 in Winnipeg. Doreen was very active in her community. She canvassed for many charities. She held the position of Superintendent of the Sunday School at St. Andrews River Heights United Church for eight years starting in 1954. Doreen was also a member of the Pastoral Advisory Committee at St. Andrews. In 1974 she became a board member and Treasurer of the Finance Committee for the VON. Commencing in 1976, she was the first Laywoman on the Board of the Manitoba Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation, a post she held for three years. Middlechurch Home Board was also a recipient of her volunteer work. Her true passion was Victoria Beach. Her family began their summer journeys to Victoria Beach in 1948, where she eventually became a full-time summer resident in 1957. Here, she began dedicating her time to many aspects of the Victoria Beach Club. She worked on the Herald, becoming the assistant editor. She sat on the Club Executive, eventually being recognized as the Honorary President for 18 years. She was elected to the Victoria Beach Municipal Council, July 30, 1965. She was the first woman councillor to be elected and held this position for eight years. A permanent legacy of her contribution was leading the conversion of the former railroad station and cinder track into the verdant and picturesque "Village Green." Upon Hanks retirement in June 1977, they began wintering in Florida at Maple Leaf Estates and spent their summers at Victoria Beach. Doreen continued to pursue her hobbies of entertaining, gardening and crewel. A memorial service was held at Knox United Church, 400 Edmonton St., Winnipeg, on Saturday, January 27 at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Bruce Bailey and the Rev. Donald I. Wilson officiating. The service was followed by a reception in the church. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be make to Cancer Care Manitoba, 100 Olivia Street, Winnipeg, Man., R3E 0V9. THOMSON FUNERAL CHAPELS 783-7211

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 28, 2001