Obituary of Shirley Benko

On Sunday, March 10, 2019, Shirley Joyce Benko, loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed away at the age of 81. Shirley was born on April 14, 1937 in Punnichy, SK to Edith (Garbutt) and Fritz Luthi. On May 10, 1958, she married Gabriel Albert Benko and they raised five beautiful children together. Shirley was predeceased by her parents Edith and Fritz Luthi. She is survived by her husband Gabe; her five children, Brian (Kathy) Benko, Wanda (George) Szeles, Susie (Clayton) Boake, Loretta (George) Melanson and Blaine Benko; her grandchildren, Mandy Halldorson, Travis (Sara) Halldorson, Chad (Claire) Benko, Jaime (Jeremy) Marcotte, Meghan (Chris) McLaughlin, Robert (Megan) Melanson, Michael Szeles, Jennifer Szeles, Alex Letzing and Donny Boake; along with 6 great grandchildren and her brothers, Jim (Julia), Bill (Debbie), Ken (Connie) and Arnold (Donna) Luthi. Shirley had a never-ending love for life and her family. She was passionate about the outdoors; tending to their gardens and farmland, caring for her animals and beloved pets. She enjoyed trapping, fishing and golfing. Shirley was a skilled seamstress and loved quilting and knitting for all her family and friends. She always looked forward to socializing and family gatherings playing cards, bowling and laughter. She graciously prepared many meals and was best known for her perogy, sausage, pickle and cream chicken recipes. Shirley will be remembered for how she selflessly put everything into her family and their happiness. She was generous, honest and pragmatic. The love for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was second to none. 
At Shirley’s request there will be no funeral service offered. A graveside memorial will be scheduled for family and friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society in her memory.