RUBY EILEEN BENNETT

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RUBY EILEEN BENNETT

(nee LEMARQUAND)

December 20, 1933 - July 13, 2024

Ruby passed away quietly on July 13, 2024 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Ruby’s memory continues to resonate in the lives of her children, Russell, Colleen (David), Bruce (Shawna), Sheila (Ron) and Kathy, her cherished grandchildren, David (Lina), Natalie, Sean and Maggie and her dearest younger sister Betty as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends. She was predeceased by her older brother George and granddaughter Cara and her husband and love of her life Dave Bennett. Her life was a blessing to all of us.

Ruby was born and raised in Vancouver, by her single mother Vera who, as a florist, sparked Ruby’s interest in flowers and started her artistic passion. She loved to recall her first job as a young person going door to door selling corsages, wreaths and bouquets. All through her life she nurtured and shared a love of flowers and gardens in all of us, white hydrangeas and crystal vases will always be a happy memory. As a young person in Vancouver Ruby became active in Job’s Daughters, representing the Masonic affiliated youth organization for girls and young women, and rising to the position of to Honour Queen.

After high school Ruby attended Normal School and became a teacher in East Vancouver. Ruby embraced teaching with her intelligence, love of learning and reading and sharing her great curiosity for life. Ruby took pleasure in learning about the lives and culture of the youngsters she was teaching. Normal School was also important because she met Dave Bennett, romance sparked on the basketball court, where Ruby admired the athletic Dave. After Dave proposed several times Ruby finally gave in. Ruby and Dave were married in Vancouver on July 23, 1956. Shortly after they moved to Victoria where Ruby continued to teach. It was in Victoria where the Bennett family started to bloom. All five children were born from 1958-1965.

1971 was the big move to Winnipeg. Taking charge, Ruby packed up the Mazda 1800 with all the kids, a budgie and a gerbil, she set out as the sole driver to meet Dave. This was certainly proof of her determination and patience. Starting new in Winnipeg Ruby ventured into a new profession; taking courses to sell holiday travel. Ruby thrived in the environment, working with Gateway and Mackie Travel, Fiesta Vacations, Carnival Cruises and finally the regional manager for Canadian Holidays.

In between her work and traveling Ruby had five children to raise and continued to put her energy towards the kids. Ruby was always around for community or school event; cheering loudly and with great enthusiasm from the bleachers. She loved watching her children on the soccer pitch, track and field events, diving competitions, school sports day and football games. The kids were super proud to have Ruby hollering out their names.

Ruby also continued her love of art which included wool wall hanging, water colours and acrylics paintings.

Ruby will always be remembered for her confidence, demeanor and beautiful smile; whether it was poolside, lakeside or on the deck of many cruise ships. She shared her confident and kind smile always, be it at the start of her class, her presentations to the dreamers of faraway holidays, when thanking kind people for donations at the “Nearly New Shop” and when she debated on matters of politics. Be gentle, be kind and be informed was the lesson taught to her children.

There were many vacations for Ruby and Dave they had many opportunities to combine work and personal trips throughout the world; with the last big trip being on river cruise in Europe with some of their closest friends. They covered so much of the world together and brought us so many fun, exciting stories.

The Bennett family dinner table was legendary. Given their travels, Mom and Dad took the opportunity to share their food experiences with all the children. Ruby soon had the classic cookbooks, Julia Child’s “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” and the Time-Life Foods of the World cookbook series to name a couple. They entertained at that table most weekends. Sunday dinners were filled with friends of all ages, adopted grandparents and visiting business associates. There was always great food, some wine and wonderful stories. The tradition of their love of food, people and good conversation carries on with all five children and their families; and sharing a table is second nature.

Upon retiring, Ruby started painting again. She rented a studio in the Exchange with her friend Beth and began another career painting landscapes of her travels through out Canada. She was a member of the Manitoba Society of Artists and active within the group. Her grandkids have fond memories of the time they spent with Grandma in the studio.

The family extends their gratitude to the staff at West Park Manor for the care they provided to Ruby for 11 years.

Alzheimer’s cruelty stole Ruby from family and friends many years ago but we are thankful for a life well-lived and loved and it is a great relief she is now at peace.

Cremation has taken place, a private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 03, 2024, Aug 03, 2024