Adeline Beniuk

Adeline Beniuk (Happner) has peacefully passed away of natural causes at age 91 on Friday April 3, 2020 at Shepherds Care Millwoods, in Edmonton. She will be forever missed and lovingly remembered.

She was born in the Saskatchewan winter of 1928 in her home near Redberry Lake. Adeline fondly recalled her lakeside childhood years with her three brothers. Her father decided to uproot the family to Alberta in 1939, arriving in Craigend where friendships were made, but hard financial times continued for years. Adeline's stories of her family living in a granary without money for food, warm clothes or school books were often retold. As a young adult she played guitar and would join her brothers in performing at local dances. There she met Peter Beniuk after which she had eyes for no one else; they were married in 1951. Together for 29 years they worked tirelessly to build a successful farm life together and to raise a family of five children. Until Peter passed away suddenly and Adeline was widowed at age 51. She was forever grateful for the support of family, neighbors and friends during this devastating time; the support around her enabled her to continue on with two daughters still at home and her son working in partnership on the farm.

She saw all her children complete post-secondary degrees and was most proud of that parenting accomplishment. In time, she herself went back to school and successfully obtained her Business Administration Certificate from AVC. She moved from the farm to Lac La Biche where she worked at AVC as an Instructor Assistant and later with various town agencies. She was recognized for her volunteer work with the Town Library, LLB Pow Wow, Literacy Programs at school, and FCSS social service, all while remaining an active partner on the farm.

She was grateful to be included in all extended-family events and considered herself to always be a good friend to those around her, taking particular pride in always keeping confidences private. She chose to remain on her own, loving her freedom. Adeline officially retired from farming and moved to Edmonton at age 75 for her "golden years." She treasured living nearer to her brother Walter who played violin at many of the dances she went to. Adeline loved it best when she was getting ready to go somewhere: winters were broken up with cruises and visits to the US with friends, and included precious time with her daughter Karen and her family who lived there; summers were filled by exploring countryside attractions while dropping in on the rest of her children and their families with many games of cribbage won. Foremost, she maintained her independence. Adeline met Kenneth Purcell during this later chapter of her life and she found in him a special gentleman-friend and a dance partner. Sincere thanks to him for years of companionship and devotion toward Adeline's well-being and comfort.

Adeline will be remembered for her love for travel, her classy car, going to dances and playing Kaiser. She loved her family dearly, especially in the kitchen cooking them cabbage rolls, creamy "footballs," perogies, and decorative chiffon cakes. She made everyone beautiful satin-ribbon pin cushions, crochet doilies, snowflakes and afghans, and crafted costumes, ornaments, and cherished baby blankets.

Adeline lived her entire life with kindness and respect to those around her. Caregivers welcomed her into their days and hearts; sincere thanks to the compassionate staff of Shepherds Care Millwoods, Norwood Restorative Care, and Chartwell Heritage Valley for the gentle years of caring for Adeline.

Adeline is predeceased by her husband Peter Beniuk, her parents Paraska (Tokaryk) and Henry Heppner, and her brother and sister-in-law Walter and Mary Heppner. She is survived by her brothers Albert (Lucille) Happner and Alden Heppner, her children Carl (Angele) Beniuk, Gail (Ken) Campbell, Gloria Ouellette, Kathy (Todd) Achen and Karen (Jim) Tidwell, and her 11 beloved grandchildren and 5 dear great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life for Adeline will be held at a later date when it is safe to do so.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Adeline's memory to Parkinson Canada  box 227 - 4039 Brentwood Road NW, Calgary, Alberta T2L 1L1.

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