Catharina "Marg" Margaretha Benn

It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the passing of our beloved mother Marg Benn (nee Hainje) at age 95 years. She passed peacefully at Northumberland Hills Hospital on April 15, 2023 in Cobourg, Ontario. Marg (also known affectionately as Oma) was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands to Nellie and Jan Hainje, she had one older brother, John. She lived through WW2 and told many stories of her struggles during those years. It was after the liberation of Holland by the Canadians that our mother and dad (Ward Garrison Benn 1912-1988) met and were soon engaged. Our father is from the Hay Bay area so upon Marg’s arrival in 1947, they married and started a family in Napanee, Ontario. When they moved to Deseronto, Marg started working for Ideal Venders in 1957 and soon was running the office with her amazing skills in the payroll department. Marg always stood up for the employees in the factory and in doing so gained a lot of respect and admiration from many who worked there and in the local community. She was a force to be reckoned with as many will tell you. She did, however, always put her family first which was greatly appreciated. She was a busy lady looking after her parents who came to Canada in the 1950’s and our father’s sisters as they became older. She was generous in nature and made friends easily always lending a hand to help in any way. Our mother was also the recipient of the Medal of Bravery which she received from the Governor General, Romeo LeBlanc, in 1995 for saving her landlady’s life. She apprehended weapons while being used by the assailant to stab her landlady. No easy feat! Our brave mother also fought breast cancer, skin cancer, diabetes, congestive heart failure to name a few. She enjoyed living with her daughter, Catherine and son-in-law, John, in Innisfil, Ontario for nine years and being part of her granddaughter Brittany’s growing up. At age 85 years, she moved to the Legion Village Retirement Home in Cobourg where she enjoyed making new friends and playing her favourite activities like Bingo and cards and spending time with family. Talking and laughing with Marg would always make your day that much better! She will be greatly missed by her children, her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also will be missed by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Our mother was an exceptional human being and she will be forever missed and remembered by all who lovingly knew her. Predeceased by her loving husband of 41 years, Ward Garrison Benn. Survived by her sons John (Joan), Ron (Mary) and daughter Catherine (John Stevens). Will be missed by her 7 grandchildren Michael (Daiane), Steven, Richard, Shannon, Ward, Ross Benn and Brittany Stevens. Also will be missed by her 2 great grandchildren Giovanna and Jon Benn. Also survived by her sister-in-law Charlyn Jones (Morland) and beloved aunt to Beverly and Brigette Shewman and great aunt to Debbie, Mark, Todd and Tracey and their families. At Margaret’s request a private graveside gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local Humane Society or Diabetes Canada.