MARJORIE THELMA BENUM

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MARJORIE THELMA BENUM September 5, 1923 - June 1, 2003 Peacefully, on Sunday, June 1, 2003, Marjorie Benum passed away while at the family cottage in Moose Lake. Predeceased by her childhood friend and devoted husband of 39 years, Martin, and by her parents Andrew and Cornelia Rice, "Midge" lived a full and bountiful life to the age of 79 years. Marjorie will be forever missed and remembered by her daughter Sandra Benum of Winnipeg and by her son Brant Benum with wife Lorelei, their daughter Hannah, Brants son Corbin, and Corbins mother, Kari, all of Revelstoke, BC. Marjorie spent her childhood on a farm in Starbuck, MB. She attended a one-room schoolhouse in the community, and towards the end of her schooling years, she received a Certificate of Perfect Attendance in recognition of never missing a day of her education. At the age of 16, Marjorie moved to Winnipeg and began work as a secretary for Trans Canada Airlines. Marjorie was still working for T.C.A. following the Second World War when she started dating Martin, who had just returned from service in the Air Force. They had known each other as childhood friends since grade school, but upon renewing their acquaintance, they decided to marry shortly thereafter. Together, Marjorie and Martin devoted themselves to family, building their home on a foundation of faith, love and support. Marjorie was always proud of the accomplishments of her children, and particularly enjoyed being in the audience whenever Sandra or Brant sang or played. Despite the loss of her husband in 1991, Marjorie continued to be a pillar of strength for her family, her friends and her community. She was a faithful member of Faith Lutheran Church, and she dedicated many selfless hours as the congregations Volunteer Coordinator for visitation at the St. Boniface Hospital. She also volunteered regularly at the Breakfast for Children program at Victor Mager School. Equally comfortable with people from all walks of life, including King Olaf of Norway whom she had met in 1978, Marjorie was known for her poise, her grace and her charity. There was always room for one more at her dining room table, and she would delight in serving guests her incomparable lefse and delectable Swedish meatballs; and there frequently was a plateful of lutefisk, for she had a passion for sharing the delicacy to family and friends alike. Tremendously interested in her Norwegian heritage, Marjorie delighted in her activities at the Scandinavian Centre, especially the weekly Norwegian language lessons. Her three visits to Norway during the course of her lifetime left an indelible impression upon her, and she would never hesitate to share a humourous anecdote or two of her travelling adventures. In recent years Marjorie enjoyed the treasured times she spent with companion, Tom Howes. She also enjoyed travelling abroad, spending time at the cottage, taking long walks, and modelling clothing for The Bay. She was deeply fond of her two grandchildren: Corbin, who taught "Gramma Peg" how to play pool, and Hannah, who loved to paint grandmas finger nails. Always the loving mother and dedicated friend, she possessed the extraordinary ability to make everyone in her life feel special and be special. Marjorie lived her life as a quiet, gentle and strong woman who adhered to deep Christian beliefs, who loved her family fiercely and who extended her compassion to friend and stranger alike. A Memorial Service celebrating Marjories life will be held on Thursday, June 5 at 4:00 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 1311 Dakota St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Faith Lutheran Memorial Fund in Marjories name. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 05, 2003