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Mary Ruth Benaway

April 10, 1981 - October 2, 2020

Mary Ruth Benaway passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by family in her 39th year. She is remembered by her parents Pat and Sandra Benaway of London, brother Jason Benaway of Simcoe, sister Martha (Trevor) Lively of London, brother Stephen Benaway, nieces and nephew, Emma, Connor, Abbey, Evelyn and Paisley.

Mary was passionate about music, studying Piano Pedagogy at Bob Jones University and recently began cello lessons. She loved learning so much she not only worked at Fanshawe College but also finished her accounting diploma while battling cancer. Mary had a wide variety of interests which included puzzles, football, baseball, playing on her church worship team, road trips through Ontario and Michigan, concerts, cooking and collecting recipes. She adored her nieces and nephew and treasured her time with them. Most of all she loved her Saviour Jesus Christ and spent the last year of her fight with cancer, confidently trusting Him and growing closer each day.

Mary’s dry wit, love of coffee and collecting mugs, thoughtfulness in finding just the right gift for a friend or family member, constant texts with a newly discovered worship song or message, and her commentary while watching sports with Dad will be greatly missed. We look forward to the day we join her again.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at NORTHVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1490 Highbury Avenue North, London. The funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. from FIRST LOBO BAPTIST CHURCH, 22907 Nairn Road, Komoka. A private family interment will follow at First Lobo Baptist Cemetery. Registration is required to attend the visitation and funeral service. For information on how to register please click on the RSVP link on the left. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Mary are asked to consider Truth for Life or First Lobo Baptist Church.

“This God – his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.” Psalms 18:30

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Mary, you were one of my dearest friends. We connected right away in the Parking Office, and always had such good laughs. Our friendship seemed to centre around food! We shared a love of great burgers, and had many Swiss Chalet dinners. We went to a Knights game and you insisted we park on the other side of the river. It was cold and started to rain but we had such a good laugh as we ran to avoid getting soaked. Thanks for the memories! You were a great friend and had a great sense of humour. I will think of you every time I go to The Works. Bye Mary. I miss you.

~ Tracey Rose

Mary was an incredible blessing. A dear friend and sister of my heart. I am thankful for the time I shared with her and forever grateful for the mark she's had on my life. Whether it was an adventure, a burger date, or shoe shopping and coffee she had the ability to turn everyday things into cherished memories. Her books that filled her kitchen cupboards...her classic movies...beach days...her plans and dreams for those around her...donuts...sailing... comparing recipes - they are all moments I'll hold close. Sing a little louder, Mary. You're home.

~ Sarah Noble

Mary I did not know you very long working with you at Fanshawe but you were always so bubbly and always chatted in the hallway when we met. You will be missed my condolences to your family and your friends. Bernie Hunter

~ Bernie Hunter

I am Mary's cello teacher Christine Newland. I was devastated to learn of Mary's passing. I am in shock. She never let on how serious her illness was. She was such a sweetheart and we had so much fun at her lessons. We were always laughing. She always had a smile and was a joy to teach. My students are like my own kids. Music is a beautiful thing to share. Mary was a quick study and I always looked forward to her lessons. I considered her my friend and I loved her dearly. She was a beautiful soul and I will miss her so very much! Sending much love and healing to her family and friends.

~ Christine Newlabd

Mary is experiencing Hebrews 12: 22-24 presently, with the promise of 1 Thess 4: 14 to come. Our sincere condolences, may this be a comfort to you and your family. Warmest love Myron and Carol

~ Myron and Carol Skinner

So sorry to hear of this loss, taken much too soon! Sending condolences and love to Mary's family and friends. Sophia Teixeira

~ Sophia

I am deeply saddened to hear of Mary’s passing. My sincere condolences to the Benaway family. I’ve worked with Mary briefly over the years at Fanshawe. Mary had such a calm and peaceful demeanor. Her lovely smile would brighten anyone’s day. She was kind, compassionate, diligent and excellent in her role. I wish I would have gotten to know her better as we shared the love of piano, music and serving in worship at church. I am comforted to know she trusted the Lord in her journey to lead her to her heavenly home.

~ Christina Reimer

Pat and Sandra: I am so sorry to hear of Mary's death, Marilyn Robb sent me her obituary yesterday. I hope that beautiful memories of Mary will sustain you through this difficult time in your lives. It is my prayer that the peace you brought to so many during your ministry here, may be returned to you many times over. In my career of almost fifty years in the funeral business, I have known only a very few pastors who displayed the love and concern for his families that you did. I am so proud to know you and Sandra, and I grieve for you at this sad time. Doug McBurney

~ Doug McBurney

Dear Sandra, Pat and family, I was deeply saddened to hear the news of your dear daughter's passing. I didn't have the opportunity to know Mary well but I do know from working closely with you, Sandra, that Mary was a sweet, caring and family oriented lady. My heart goes out to you. I hope you can take comfort knowing that she is now in God's care and her light will shine down on you always. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. Sincerely, Marilyn Hobbs

~ Marilyn Hobbs

Dear Sandra, Pat ,Martha, Trevor and the family, I was so very sorry to read of the passing of Mary. You will miss her so much. My condolences to all of you. You are a very special family . Sincerely, Elizabeth Hunt

~ Elizabeth Hunt

Mary was such a lovely, happy and genuine person. Her smile had a warmth about it that made you feel like she was giving you a hug every time you saw her. To Mary's family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss.

~ Dawn Gratton

Dear Sandra, Pat and family I am so sorry to hear of Mary's passing thinking of you all and sending our deepest condolences Paulette ( Co-worker of Sandra's- Sears)

~ Paulette C

our sincere condolences. May God be your Comforter as you mourn your loss. Glenn and Janice

~ Janice Vandenberg

I am donating to honour Mary- a friend of my sister in law, Laurie Hamilton. May she rest in peace.

~ Briana Janmaat

On behalf of her Fanshawe College family we send our deepest condolences. She will be missed.

~ Paul Schofield

Dear Pat, Sandra and family, We are so sorry for your loss! May God comfort you! Ross& Lindsey

~ Ross & Lindsey Werden

Sending my deepest condolences, love and prayers to the Benaway family. I'm so sorry for your loss

~ Laurie Hamilton

(Donated to First Lobo Baptist Church)

~ Wendy Couturier

Dear Mary, I’m not sure I can put into words just how much you and your friendship meant to me, you were the one that had a beautiful way with words, as I always used to tell you. I am so grateful for your friendship and the time that we spent together. I will never forget your willingness and excitement to try kickboxing with me, and how much fun we had! That has to be one of my favourite memories of us. You were so kind-hearted, always putting others before yourself, such a beautiful person, inside and out. I was in awe of your strength and faith over this past year. Mary, you are one of the best people I have known and you have blessed my life by being in it. I will miss you dearly. Sending you love and hugs in heaven.

~ Laurie Hamilton

~ Marilyn Hobbs

Pat, Sandy and family I am so very sorry to hear of Mary's passing. Grace Thompson Wingham. ON

~ Grace

I always remember Mary with a smile on her face and a ready laugh. The hallways of Fanshawe will forever be lonelier and quieter without her. The news came as a heartbreaking shock. My deepest condolences to Mary's family and close friends. Although the pain of losing someone so special never leaves, it diminishes over time to make room for all the beautiful memories.

~ Monika Sammut

Dear Benaway Family, Please accept my deepest condolences. Mary worked for me, part-time, as my secretary at Fanshawe's Library and Media Services. She was gentle, kind, competent and had a great deal of patience with me. Mary was blessed in so many ways and was a shining example of Christian love. I am truly sorry that she had to suffer but she knew that she would be resting in the palm of our good Lord. I know that angels were waiting to guide her home. Sincerely, Martie Grof-Iannelli

~ Martie Grof-Iannelli

Dear M, I will always cherish our coffee breaks, after work skating sessions, cross-border shopping trips, and blissful escapes to read for hours in each other’s company on the shores of Lake Huron regardless of the weather. I will cherish our conversations during which you stealthily deployed your wit and we shared our lists of books to read and to write. We shared affinities for dogs, music, houseplants, classic movies, and vintage glamour. You were patient with my quietness and tolerant of my knitting projects. Thank you for being my kindred spirit. I will always admire your brilliance, calmness, compassion, and the strength of your faith and devotion. I will always equate snow squalls with your piano playing and blizzards with your cello strumming. Thank you for the privilege of being part of your life. You encouraged me to lean in at work and I will continue to try to triumph and will do so in your honour. Thank you for believing in me. Heaven is so blessed to have the privilege of welcoming a true angel. Spread those wings and soar to infinity and beyond. I’ll keep watching the stars and sending up wishes and prayers. You are and will always be so loved. My sincerest condolences to your family. Always, your M

~ Meaghan Shannon

Mary is one of the best co-worker I worked with at Fanshawe. I got to know her at the Library. We had those on-going jokes.

~ Francois Beliveau

I didn't know Mary well but for the times we had interacted she was the kindest person. The news of Mary's passing surprised and saddened me. Heaven has a lovely new angel amongst their fold with a warm loving smile. My deepest sympathies at this time to her family and may the many memories you hold of Mary bring you comfort in this this very difficult time.

~ Christina Lidzbarski

It's terrible to hear about your loss and I wish to express my sincerest sympathy to your family. Wishing you all the best in this difficult time.

~ Rene Veri

I don't even know what to say. I am so saddened by this news. I prayed every day for a miracle for her recovery. I know we have no right to question the Creator of heaven and earth, and His ways are not our ways, but because we are human, it's still difficult. I know that she is in heaven and that is our only comfort. Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss and know that I will keep you in my prayers. Glenn Vandenberg

~ Glenn

So sorry to learn of the loss of Mary at such a young age. I'm so, so sad. Please accept my deepest condolences.

~ Hmahfoud@fanshawec.ca

I am so thankful to have had the chance to work beside you. We shared a ton of laughs, and made some fantastic memories (my favourite was decorating the office at Christmas). You loved to talk about your family, your spur of the moment road trips, your love for music and playing the piano, your Christmas weekend getaways to Frankenmuth. How can we forget your Thursday lunch visits with Barb to get those football picks in. You are going to be missed by so many. Sending so much love to your family and friends. xo

~ Tracy Vanderwerf

I meet Mary for only a short period. I trained her for my position at Fanshawe as I was retiring. We connected right from the start. Mary was so thoughtful and compassionate. I can’t say enough about her. I will miss her deeply. I am truly sorry for your loss.

~ Wendy

My sincere condolences to Mary's family and friends. Mary was always so helpful and quick to assist with the information I needed at Fanshawe. She was a caring and a very positive individual who will be missed. I am so sorry to hear this news.

~ Donna McInnis

Mary was a wonderful woman who saw and brought out the best in everyone . She was a proud Aunt and always loved sharing stories of the kids with me . I will miss your positive attitude and kind words . I’m sorry we didn’t get one more lunch . Thoughts and prayers with your family

~ Michelle Bryson

Mary was one of those people who could leave such a positive impression through such a small interaction. There are very few people that can be said of in this world. She will be missed.

~ R.L.

So sweet, so young much too early. My sincerest condolences on your loss

~ Melanie Wolfe

~ Teresa Arnsby Weaver

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