April 12, 1945 - April 2, 2023
Elfrieda Ann Bensler, precious wife, mom, nana, sister, cousin and aunt, passed away peacefully at 11:11am on April 2nd - Palm Sunday. Surrounded by her family at The Stratford Rotary Hospice, “Great is thy Faithfulness” played on the stereo, cardinals sang, and the sun poured in the window as Jesus ushered her home.
Elfrieda is survived by her three children Chadwick (Camille), Andrew, Angela (Shane); grandchildren Joelle and Josiah; siblings Ed (Linda), Elsie (Rudy), Dave (Maggie), Peter (Melinda), Ernst (Suzanne), Dan (Hildegard), Art (Marylene), and Sharon (Len); sister-in-law Joanna Kalau; and grand-dogs Maurice and Honey. Besides her parents, Alfred and Annie, Elfrieda is predeceased by Rudy, her beloved husband of 53 years, and infant daughter Melanie Joy.
Elfrieda was born in Fort McLeod, Alberta, thirty minutes the elder of her twin brother David. “Toots & Boober” shared a special, life-long bond that saw them through many a challenge and adventure. She grew up on a vibrant family farm near Piincher Creek, Alberta, where work, music and love abounded.
Later she attended Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg, eventually moving east to complete her degree at Wilfred Laurier, majoring in English, and minoring in Vocal Arts. Finally she attended Teachers' College at Althouse (University of Western Ontario).
Elfrieda married her Rudy in the summer of 1969. They moved to Stratford where she was pleased to work as an English teacher at Central High School throughout their first few years of married life. Once their children were of school age, Elfrieda returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher and also took great joy in private tutoring. She was a gifted and passionate teacher, who had a penchant for bringing Shakespeare to life. Decades later, Elfrieda’s children continue to encounter former students who testify to the impact and inspiration of her affinity for teaching.
Throughout her adult life Elfrieda was an active member, Sunday school teacher and musical contributor at St. Matthews Lutheran Church and Avon Mennonite Church in Stratford, as well as Holy Cross Lutheran in Kitchener.
She enjoyed brisk walks, nature (especially trees), and good metaphors. She was well known for meticulously crafting beautiful stuffed bears for family and friends, cooking delicious meals, and baking many delectable treats to share with others (most notably her extraordinary Christmas cookie platters and famous Chelsea/sticky buns).
Elfrieda treasured music and contributed her beautiful alto voice to several choirs over the years. She was an avid theatre goer, was devoted to studying The Bible, and was a dedicated and loyal card/letter writer. She had a delightfully witty and dry sense of humour which she employed with perfect timing.
Post retirement, Elfrieda spent much of her time traveling with her daughter Angela’s family, as they toured across Canada, the United States, and Germany, as the musical group “The Wiebes”. Nana was essential on every tour!
As her husband’s journey with dementia/aphasia progressed, Elfrieda was his faithful caregiver. Even with her own life-shortening diagnosis, she was a constant and loving anchor for Rudy.
Her children wish to highlight the loving and skilful contributions of Elfrieda’s family and friends, Home & Community Care Support Services, church community, Star Family Health Team, and the Rotary Hospice, all of whom played essential and sacred roles in Elfrieda’s care. Thank you.
Elfrieda will always be remembered as a woman who loved her Lord Jesus Christ, adored and treasured her family, AND, as once she playfully suggested her epitaph could proclaim, “She made great buns!” She is, and will continue to be dearly missed.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life for Elfrieda on June 15th, from 5 - 8pm (formal program to begin at 6pm), at The Ballroom, St Marys Golf & Country Club (769 Queen St. East, St Marys, ON). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elfrieda’s honour to the Rotary Hospice of Stratford Perth.
Arrangements entrusted to W.G. Young Funeral Home
