BENTLEY: Lois Evelyn Bentley. Mum passed away peacefully at Brandon Regional Health Centre on Thursday, February 18, 2010 at the age of 78 years. Born on June 20, 1931, to Sid and Bessie Bentley, Lois was the middle daughter of three. She was predeceased by her older sister Marie Saito. She is survived by only child Dolores Beckwith (Shell) of Winnipeg, granddaughter Tara (Tim) Klassen of Houston, Texas and her younger sister Beryl (Larry) Lukanuik of St. Albert, Alberta. There are also numerous nieces and nephews. To her dying day, Lois was a proud "East Ender" keeping in touch with numerous childhood friends throughout the years, both in Brandon and across Canada. Mum loved telling stories about childhood memories of skating at East End Community Centre, attending King George and Earl Haig schools, and all of the fun that the East End Gang had. Her first job was at A.E. McKenzie Seeds and she worked there until her marriage in 1953 to Ed Koshowski (deceased). As Ed was an army man his career often took her away from the friends and family she so loved. After living in Shilo, Quebec City, Petawawa and Montreal she returned home to Brandon in 1966 and had lived there ever since. Mum loved to knit. She knit for everyone and was very proud that articles she had knit can be found in England, Greece, the USA and all parts of Canada. She also was a Guardian Angel and knitted bonnets and booties for preemie babies. She also knit toques for "Boomer's Legacy" to be distributed to children in Afghanistan. As Mum grew older and became frailer her love for animals increased. She spent many joyous hours feeding the birds and squirrels in the yard. Over the years she had many beloved pets that she loved and lost. Waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge are King, Paws, Ebony and Nicki. One day her beloved cat Thomas will find her there. Lois was passionate about causes and when she began a crusade - look out! She successfully lobbied and had two dear friends from the glory days of baseball in Brandon in the 1950's inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. The documentary "The Boys Who Came To Play" chronicles the journey. "She will be missed." At Lois's request, cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, February 24 at 2:00 p.m. at Brandon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the Brandon Humane Society, 2200 17th Street East, Brandon, MB, R7A 7M6. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330. Memorials
Brandon Humane Society