We Remember

BENNETT, Audrey

November 23, 1933 — August 30, 2022

With heavy hearts and deep love, we say goodbye to our beautiful mother, grandmother and friend, Audrey Lyne Bennett (née James), who passed away peacefully at home on August 30, 2022 at the age of 88.

Audrey was born in Duncan, BC in 1933 to horticulturalists Jack and Dorothy James, and was the younger sister to Mary and Val. She moved to Kelowna with her family at age 11, where she was able to develop her passion for all things aquatic: competing on the swim team, synchronized swimming, teaching, lifeguarding, and participating in across-the-lake swims on Okanagan Lake. Her athleticism continued as she became proficient in tennis and golf and, in later years, taught aqua aerobics classes. She was a thoughtful and caring individual who also worked as a volunteer at KGH. Disciplined by nature, she kept her mind active throughout her life with hobbies like bridge and reading.

Audrey’s passions led her to the love of her life, Bill (William Richards Bennett). As the story goes, Bill spotted Audrey on a float while she was competing for the title of Lady of the Lake, and he knew she was the one. Married in 1955, Audrey and Bill had four sons: Brad (Birgit), Kevin (Leah), Stephen (Shayna), and Greg (Connie); followed by eight grandchildren: Michael (Christie), Carmen (Anthony), Jarrett (Leissa), Makena, Lyndon ‘Ridge’, Corey, Reece, David (Kami); and three great-grandchildren.

The couple raised their sons on the family property by the lake in Westbank, where Audrey lovingly tended the orchard and gardens with her inherited green thumb. Lasting memories were created from the many gatherings with close family friends at the property, and from the many winter weekends spent at the family’s Big White condo.

When husband Bill entered politics in 1973 and subsequently served the province as Premier from 1975-1986, Audrey was the rock that held the family together. Although preferring her private life, she graciously rose to the occasion whenever called upon to represent the province alongside her husband to royalty and heads of state from around the world.

Despite losing Bill in 2015 and her youngest son Greg in 2019, Audrey continued to live a full and independent life. While dignified in her reserve, she was also feisty and fun, and we will miss everything about our dear matriarch. We are blessed to have had her in our lives for as long as we did, and we will love and cherish her forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the KGH Foundation.

A Celebration of Life will be held on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, at 10:00 AM, at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.

Service
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, at 10:00 AM

Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME

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KGH Foundation Link: www.kghfoundation.com

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for BENNETT, Audrey is scheduled for SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, at 10:00 AM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME

2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Condolences

  • Monica Bennett says:
    September 7, 2022 at 10:07 am

    So sad to hear of your passing! Please know that you’ll be remembered always, and your infamous ‘Nana-dogs’ will be enjoyed by the generations to follow! God Bless

    Reply
  • Todd,Marilyn,Scott and Jennifer says:
    September 9, 2022 at 2:31 pm

    On behalf of the four of us, it was an honour to have met such a strong, vivacious, talented woman. may she Rest In Peace with Mr Bennett, and our very missed brother in law and uncle, Greg..

    Reply
  • Marie Sperling says:
    September 21, 2022 at 8:27 am

    So sorry to hear of your loss. Blessings to all of you.

    Reply

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In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

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