JOSEPHINE IONE BENEDEK (nee GUENRICH)
The world has lost an incredibly unique and generous person; the heavens have welcomed a new angel. Josephine passed away peacefully on Monday, December 4, 2017 at the Rocky View Hospital in Calgary at the age of 85 years. She was surrounded by her loving husband and family. Josephine was born on June 16, 1932 to Harvey and Anna Guenrich in Calgary. She attended Midnapore School with her siblings James, Phillip, Thelma and Phyllis. After finishing school, Josephine worked as a nurse in Rocky Mountain House where her enthusiasm and energy attracted the eye of her soon-to-be husband Joe. They married on May 3, 1958 and spent a brief time travelling southern Saskatchewan for Joe’s work before settling in Olds. Together they raised four children Bob, Stan, Theresa and Michael. Josephine’s number one priority was family. She used her creative light to encourage her children and grandchildren in school projects, organize birthday parties and provide a comforting home for family and friends to visit. Josephine enjoyed having neighbors over to sit around the fire pit on warm summer evenings, share produce from the garden and be on the look out for elderly neighbors. Later in life, neighbors reciprocated her kindness by looking out for both her and Joe. Josephine built up her parish and town community as a long - standing member of St. Stephen’s C.W.L., The Olds Historical Society and R.C.M.P. Victims Services. Her hobby of collecting celebrity autographs and photos blended well with Joe’s interest in travel. She involved them in several movie productions and events around Alberta; one of the highlights for her being the 1988 Winter Olympics. A bit of Josephine’s light shines on in all of us when we knowingly or unknowingly share our gifts with others. Seldom does one person love, and is loved by so many. She will be forever cherished and remembered by her husband Joe of 59 years; children Bob (Wendy), Stan (Ruth), Theresa (Mike), Michael (Kara); grandchildren Chrystal, Daniel, Cohen, Beck and Sienna. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday December 9, 2017 at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church. Interment to follow in the Olds Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Olds & District Hospice Society. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Olds entrusted with arrangements. 403-507-8610 www.heartlandfuneralservices.com