Bennett, Edith Mabel

BENNETT, EDITH MABEL1919-2001Edith Mabel (Wright) Bennett was born in Dryden, Ontario, on August 16, 1919 - the tenth of 12 children. The Wright family (directly descended from Philomen Rudolphus Wright, founder of Hull, Quebec was very musical. 'Edie Mae' sang 'on the stage' from the age of 6. She was exceptionally intelligent, graduating with honours from Grade 13 at the age of 17. She trained in McKellar Hospital's nursing program until called to help with her brother's children in Red Lake, Ontario. Edith met Charles A. Bennett at Red Lake, where they were married in October of 1940. During W.W. II while Charles was in service, Edith lived in Dryden and Southern Ontario, returning to Red Lake after the war was over. She and her immediate family moved back to Dryden in 1948 and remained there until 1963 when they moved to Port Arthur, Ontario. The family joined St. John's Anglican Church, where Edie sang in the choir. Charles died unexpectedly in January, 1966. Edith worked as a nurse's aide and camp cook to support her family until she took early retirement due to physical disability. She spent much of her time studying the Bible and theological books. During the 1960's and 1970's, she studied daily with two good friends, Norma Biggs (d. 1982) and Jean (Grinstead) Heard. Edith began attending St. Luke's Anglican Church in 1980, where she was a faithful member until her death. Besides studying and singing, she enjoyed painting and Scrabble. She excelled at looking after her grandchildren whenever she was needed, until here first stroke six years ago. Edith is survived by her three sisters Pat Moline, Mildred Drew and Morley Mackle of B.C. ; three daughters Charla Aitken (Mike Hoban) of Ottawa, Eleanor Bennett, Frances Bennett-Sutton (Jim Sutton) and honourary daughter Laurel Wright (Brian) all of Thunder Bay; 6 grandchildren Elisabeth Neasmith (Dave) and Elinor Sloan (Tom) of Ottawa, Logan and Jake Siegrist and Rachel and Stephanie Sutton of Thunder Bay; and 3 great grandchildren - Caroline and Dan Neasmith and Thomas Sloan, all of Ottawa. We are very grateful for the caring support and superior expertise over the years of Dr. S. Holtby, Dr. C. Chung, Dr. J. Maskey and Dr. T. Bon. To the nurses and staff of TBRH-McKellar site - you are the best! The respite and home care and practical and moral support provided by the Alzheimer's Day Centre (St. Joseph's Care Group), Wesway and the Community Care Access Centre and St. Joseph's Geriatric Assessment Program has been invaluable. Special thanks to Linda Heitanen of the VON Homecare Division and our church family. Edith was a member of the exceptionally helpful Northwest Funeral Alternatives Inc. A celebration memorial services will be held at St. Luke's Anglican Church at the corner of Cameron and Mackenzie Streets at 1:30 p.m. Monday, February 19, 2001. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be given to St. Luke's Anglican Church 'New Song'.