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Cheryl Lynn BENNEWITH

January 21, 2006

BENNEWITH, CHERYL LYNN

(nee McCafferty)

July 22, 1942 - January 21, 2006.

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, wife, mother, grandmother and friend at the young age of 63. Cheryl died on January 21, 2006 from a massive brain aneurism while at M.D. Anderson Cancer Centre in Houston, Texas. Her family and friends, the Lohners, were by her side. Cheryl was recovering from a successful stem cell transplant when she was taken so suddenly from us.

Cheryl was the eldest of four girls and was predeceased by her parents, Bart and Levinia McCafferty, as well as a younger sister and a nephew. She leaves to mourn her husband of almost 35 years, Arnold, her children, Todd Simmons, Crystal Shields (Jody), the love of her life, her only grandchild, Malcolm, her sisters, Mike Conforti and Toni Smith (David), and three nephews, as well as many, many dear friends.

Cheryl was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was a school teacher for nearly 40 years, the last 22 years in the Surrey School District, until her retirement in December, 2001. Cheryl loved teaching and often said the children kept her young at heart. She enjoyed the time spent with family, the rarely missed walks with friends at White Rock beach, the games of bridge, and the holidays with Arnold in Arizona. She loved to travel and her adventures took her to China, Turkey, Egypt, Italy, the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Cheryl was a staunch libertarian and an avid reader who had an insatiable appetite for knowledge. She will always be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor.

Her family wants to thank Dr. Evelyn Shukin, her family physician and Dr. Elizabeth Shpall, her transplant doctor at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Centre, and all of her friends who sent their love and prayers.

A celebration of Cheryl's life will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, February 3, 2006, at Victory Memorial Park 14831 28 Ave South Surrey. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crystal Shields in trust for the creation of a garden at Morgan Heights in memory of Cheryl.