Mairi P. Bender (Sherburne)

Obituary

Passed on July 9, 2021

August 13, 1955 – July 9, 2021     It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Mairi Bender announces her peaceful passing on July 9, 2021, at the age of 65; at home, with her girls by her side, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Mum was such an important person to so many people. She will be forever loved and remembered by her girls: Stacey (Tyler), Katie (Andrea), Kim (Brad), and Jen (Trapp); her siblings: Carol (Wayne), Barb, Nancy, and John; her grandchildren Kevin and Casey; and her grand-pups: Walle, Bronco, Phoenix, Aspen and Lux; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents Rick and Ida Sherburne, and her sister Anne.

Mum was born and raised in Ajax, ON, along with her 5 siblings. She lived in Ontario for her youth, until transferring to the University of Winnipeg to finish her post-secondary education. Not long after, she met her husband of 17 years, Rick, and after a few years of marriage, they started their family. After separating in 2000, they continued to co-parent their daughters Stacey and Katie. She purchased another home in North Kildonan and lived the remainder of her life there.

She loved spending time with her family and friends, especially dining out and getting season tickets for the theatre with her usual group: Maria, Jackie, Tim, Joy, Karen, Kathy and Linda. She also had quite the green thumb, and loved having, tending, and visiting gardens, with Assiniboine Park being a favourite spot. She also loved to travel and made it to a few North American destinations on her list in her lifetime. She loved to read, colour, and always had a sudoku book on the go, with a fresh cup of tea for every activity, but especially for watching her British TV shows.

A special thank you to Dr. Chowdhury and Robert of Cancer Care; the staff at Health Sciences Centre, including Dr. Zarrabian and Dr. Johnson, and orthopaedics unit GD2 nursing staff, especially charge nurses Joe and Lindsey; as well as HSC Palliative and Home Care departments, especially Aleisha. You all went above and beyond for us, and it was truly appreciated. Also, to Dr. Graham for your guidance for Mum over the years, and especially through this difficult time – you were definitely a source of comfort for her. And to Comforts of Home Care for your efficiency and amazing staff, especially Kimberly, Ashley, and Jackson. We honestly don’t know what we would have done without you. Thanks to all the friends, family, and loved ones who pitched in and supported us any way they could through these last few months, especially Katie and Nicole Murphy, Katelyn Chuckrey, and the teaching staff at Birds Hill School. Thank you to Maria, Jackie, Alice and Tauba for reminiscing with her in the final days – your friendships meant so much to her. Also, to Father David Black and funeral director Ken Loehmer for being there as soon as we needed you – you both brought great comfort in tough moments.

Her openness, incredibly large heart, and ability to tease gently and sarcastically made her very easy to talk to, and a first choice for many to come to vent to, when they had a problem, or needed a shoulder to cry on. She will truly be forever missed.

Because there was so much love in Mairi’s life, we will be holding two Celebration of Life events. The first will take place later in August at the Assiniboine Park Conservatory, with a gathering afterwards. The second will take place next summer in Ontario with details to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local dog/pet rescue, in her name.

WE HAD A WONDERFUL MOTHER

(By an Unknown Author, modified to read “mother” instead of grandmother)

We had a wonderful mother, One who never really grew old; Her smile was made of sunshine, And her heart was solid gold; Her eyes were as bright as shining stars, And in her cheeks fair roses you see. We had a wonderful mother, And that’s the way it will always be. But take heed, because She’s still keeping an eye on all of us So let’s make sure She will like what she sees

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