With great sadness we announce the death of Gwendolyn Bentley, age 96, widow of Emerson Bentley, of Amherst, which occurred at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009. A true lady, with the strength of steel and full of grace.
Born in Amherst, she was a daughter of the late Henry and Ginnie (Gardiner) Hardie.
Gwen worked as a receptionist at Imperial Optical for a number of years before she became a Data Processing Operator in the County of Cumberland Tax Office, retiring in 1980. She was a member of Trinity St. Stephens United Church, a charter member of the UCW, a member of the WMS and the Lord Amherst Chapter of the I.O.D.E.. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and was an Explorer leader. She was a member and Past Noble Grand of the Miriam Rebekah Lodge #36, a member and Past President of the Past Noble Grand's Club and was Past District Deputy President of the District Association # 11.
Gwen leaves behind a family that dearly loved and admired her and includes, her daughter Lorraine Brooks, Amherst; 2 grandsons, Bruce (Tammy) and Stephen; 3 great grandchildren, Jeffrey, Miranda and Caitlyn; 2 sisters, Ella Purdy, Truro, and Hazel (Myron) Millett of Fredericton, NB; 2 brothers, Banning (Pearl) Hardie, Toronto, ON and Raymond (Shirley) Hardie, Edmonton, AB. She was predeceased by her husband, Emerson, 2 brothers, Gordon and Maxwell and a sister, Leona.
The remains have been entrusted into the care of the Furlong Jones Funeral Home from where the funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Sept 9, 2009 at 2 pm. A time of visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday from 7 to 9 pm. Donations to the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre Foundation or a charity of the donor's choice gratefully appreciated.
A special thanks to Peter and Kathleen Hardie who have been a comfort and help no words can adequately convey. www.furlongjones.ca