Obituary of Carlene Diane Benson

December 10, 1940 – May 24, 2020

It is with great sadness the family of Carlene Diane Benson, announces her sudden passing on May 24, 2020.

Carlene was passionate about horses, riding, and valued all the horse trips with Don, family and friends. She loved dancing with Don at the Old Bluebird Inn and going to the many parties and events. She also loved to host parties or events at home. Her favourite event was Christmas eve, where she would have an open house to one and all that wanted to drop by, where she made sure you had lots to eat. She loved watching sports, especially hockey, and was also a great athlete playing ball, horseshoes, and bowling with family and family teams. She enjoyed cooking and canning and was always trying new recipes with stuff raised on the farm. Even today, grandchildren are asking for her recipes that they remembered she had prepared from her “huge cookbook”. She also loved children and babysitting them, even friends’ kids, who even as adults today still call her “Mamma B”. When grandchildren and great grandchildren showed up, she was always the glue that held the family together.

Her latest pleasures were playing cards or games. Always inviting family over to play dice, Yahtzee, and crib. She also liked sitting in her favourite recliner listening to her “Classic Country” tunes on TV.

Carlene is survived by her husband Don Benson of 62 years; sons Westy (Linda), Bruce (Mary Ann), Tim (Eric Fisher); daughter Lori (Alex Smutny); grandchildren Jennifer (James Ban Quan), Heather (Hazen Tanner), Jeremy (Madeleine Garibaldi), Justin (Paige Scott), Travis (Morgan Mitchell), Jessica (Mason Janni); Great grandchildren Makayla, Jocylyn, Layla, and Jax, brothers Alan Nelson (Eleanor), Rick Nelson (Rosemary), Ron Nelson (Louise), Don Nelson, sisters Joyce Young, Doreen Doherty (Dick (deceased)) ,brother In-laws Ronald Benson (deceased) (Gert), Walter Benson (Caroline), sister In-laws, Diane (Pete Leiman) and many nephews and nieces.

She was predeceased by her parents, Dave & Lura Nelson, Don’s parents Birthel & Lavina Benson, her brother in-law Dick Doherty.

Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date.

Carlene was laid to rest in Westlawn Cemetery Cranbrook, B.C., in a private ceremony, her pallbearers were Jeremy Benson, Justin Benson, Travis Smutny, Mason Janni, Hazen Tanner, and James Ban Quan.

Donations can be made in Carlene’s honour to the Canadian Cancer Society https://www.cancer.ca