MERNA (BECK) BENNETT (1928 – 2018)

Peacefully, surrounded by her family at the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital on Saturday, September 1, 2018, Merna (Beck) Bennett of Tillsonburg passed away at the age of 90 years. Beloved wife and best friend for 61 wonderful years to the Late William “Bill” Bennett (2012). Loving and caring mother to her four boys: Jeff (Deb) of Kitchener, Kevin (Linda Gordon) of Calgary, Brad (Kim Simpson) of Tillsonburg and Gregory (Barb) of Mississauga. Cherished grandmother of Mike (Gabrielle), Kayla (Colin), John (Ketri) and David (Laura) and great-grandmother of William and Calvin. Also survived by many nieces, and nephews. Predeceased by her parents John and Jessie (Atkinson) Beck, daughter-in-law Arlene and two older sisters, Ida Singer and Betty Hicks.

Merna completed her elementary education in the one room school house just steps from the family home in Hawtrey. In order to attend Tillsonburg High School, Merna had to board in town. And, in order to get into town, she frequently had to flag down the NY Central Train to hitch a ride from Hawtrey to Tillsonburg! After high school she attended the University of Western Ontario. Her enrollment at UWO came to a conclusion the same year that Bill proposed to her.

Merna inherited her thoughtful, ever inquisitive mind, and entrepreneurial spirit from her parents. Her curiosities and interests were as varied as they were numerous, and over the years led her to wear many ‘hats”. At various times in her life, Mom worked as a realtor, was a Pfaff sales representative, served on the Real Estate Board, the Cemetery Board, and the Library Board. However, in Merna’s words, her greatest achievement was her 61 year marriage to Bill and the raising of her four boys. She loved her husband. She loved her boys.

Friends and relatives will be received at Ostrander’s Funeral Home, 43 Bidwell Street, Tillsonburg (519-842-5221) on Thursday from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Friday at St. Paul’s United Church. The Funeral Service for Merna will be held at St. Paul’s United Church, 88 Bidwell Street, Tillsonburg on Friday, September 7, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Karlene Brown-Palmer officiating. Interment later in the Tillsonburg Cemetery. Memorial donations to Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital or charity of your choice would be appreciated by the Bennett family.
Personal condolences and favourite memories may be shared at ostrandersfuneralhome.com