Margarete “Gretel” Benneke
September 12, 1928 – November 13, 2013
She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Dorothy Benneke (Stefan Zeglen) and Edna (Ken) Zimmer and grandchildren Jennifer and Michael who brought her tremendous joy. She also leaves behind extended family in Germany. Her husband Ed predeceased her in 1997.
Mom always loved to bake and many will remember her for the little treats she quietly dropped off over the decades, for special occasions or just because. Some of her favourite pastimes were gardening and walking to get fresh air and see the birds and flowers. Although her walks became shorter over the last few years, she often said she was content and had a good life. Among her papers we found this verse:
I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times, and laughing times,
and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
At her request, no service will be held. If friends wish, in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, P.O. Box 3632 Stn Terminal, Vancouver BC V6B 3Y8.