Benvie, Edna Mabel – Age 94, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2022 in Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital. She was born to the late Edward and Ethel Dares in Vanguard, Sask. and moved to Elderbank as a child.
Edna married at an early age and became a farm wife and mother, raising 13 children, and helping out on the farm when she wasn’t looking after household chores. Her cooking and baking were bragged about by many, especially her fresh homemade bread and rolls, and her famous spudnuts. Edna was a coordinator for the United Church suppers for many years, and ran the refreshment booth at the Halifax County Exhibition for 25 years. Most would agree it was by far the best food ever served on the exhibition grounds. Her entrepreneurial talents included sewing for Suttles and Seawinds, making wreaths that were shipped to the US, and selling her delicious pies to the cookhouse at the Ex. Those skills were passed on to many of her children. Edna always had a knack for making a few extra dollars, but the one she was most passionate about, was when she started taking in boarders; some from as far away as Sri Lanka, Lebanon, St. Lucia and many US states. She formed many friendships over the years, and could tell you interesting stories about each of them.
Mom was very proud of her beautiful gardens and yard at her farmhouse. She also loved feeding and watching the birds outside her windows. Some of her other hobbies included reading, sewing, bowling, dancing and listening to country music. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays were the two sports teams she followed, and she could always tell you the final scores, the next day (after she asked Google). She was fortunate to be able to travel with her daughters and had many stories and memories about her trips with Carol and Bob. They shared numerous adventures over the years. Her trip to Hawaii was also quite eventful starting with her sitting in the cockpit. Mom enjoyed her summer trips with Sharon and family to Maine and Vermont. Her last major trip was when Irene drove her to Florida when she was 84. They left early due to a hurricane forecast thinking they could beat it, and ran into a blizzard. You can figure out the rest. Mom loved her travel days, and cherished the overnight trips and day trips too.
Nothing made her happier than a houseful of family and friends. Everyone was always made welcome and left with a full belly. She was able to stay in her home until the age of 90, and then moved to the Villa where she resided until her short stay in the hospital. She was blessed to have kept her quick wit and remarkable memory right until the end.
Edna is survived by children, Carol (Bob), Freda, Sharon, Debbie (Joe), Irene, Ralph, Kathy, Nancy, David (Nancy), Jeannette (Laurie), Terri (Mark), Greg (Nancy), Tim (Margo); brother, Ross (Jean) Dares; sister-in-law, Shirley Dares; brother-in-law, Harold Wellwood; several nieces and nephews; 32 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild.
She was predeceased by her husband, Douglas; infant son, Earl; brother, Gordon; sister, Phyllis; son-in-law, Scott; daughter-in-law, Joyce; sisters-in-law, Marion Dares, Dorothy Inkpen and Marion Galloway.
Cremation has taken place.
A funeral service will be held Friday, August 26 at 2 p.m. in Middleton United Church, Middle Musquodoboit. The family will meet friends for a reception in the Bicentennial Theatre, Middle Musquodoboit.
The family would like to thank Dr. Giffin and Dr. Laurette, as well as the nursing staff, for their exceptional care and advice concerning Mom’s health issues. The VON were Mom’s lifeline during her last months. A special thanks to Laura Lee, Felicia and Shannon who took the time to chat and share stories with her. We would also like to thank the Northwood caregivers who enabled Mom to stay at home as long as possible. Our sister, Nancy was also vital as a step-in caregiver for Mom whenever she needed it.
Donations in Mom’s memory may be made to Middle Musquodoboit Cemetery Committee, Musquodoboit Valley Health Foundation – Hospital or Cystic Fibrosis Canada, Atlantic Chapter.
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