Mrs. Mary Winnifred Benson

June 18, 1917 - March 28, 2015

Mrs. Mary Benson of Nanton, Alberta passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on March 28, 2015 at the Silver Willow Lodge in Nanton at the age of 97 years. Mary is survived by her children Garry Benson of Moosehorn, Manitoba, Marilyn (Dave) Day of Calgary and Blaine (Theresa) Benson of Edmonton; 8 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren as well as her sister-in-law Esther Waddell. Mary was predeceased by her husband Leonard in 1985. Mary was born in the Muirhead area west of Nanton and her early schooling was in a one room school with high school being completed in Nanton. She met Leonard and they were married in April of 1940. Together they raised their 3 children in the Nanton area. Mary worked for many years as a reporter for the Nanton News as well as writing the “Heart of The Town” column right up until she was 95 years. Mary was a very active member of the Nanton/Parkland United Church along with the Nanton UCW. She was also a member of the Nanton Rebekah Lodge for many years serving numerous offices within the lodge. She moved into the Silver Willow Lodge when she was 85 where she was involved with all activities. A Celebration of Mary’s Life was held on Saturday, April 11 at 2:00 p.m. at the Nanton/Parkland United Church (2121 21st Street, Nanton). To send condolences and view Mary’s Tribute Page please visit www.lylereeves.com . If desired memorial donations may be made to the Silver Willow Lodge (Box 40, Nanton, Ab, T0L 1R0). Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (403.652.4242).