Maureen Ina (O'Connor) Benning

Our dear mom, Maureen Benning (nee O’Connor), passed away peacefully on October 1st, 2025. She was born on Feb 3, 1936 in Calgary into a large close-knit Irish family. Maureen trained as a nurse at Holy Cross Hospital, then ventured out to travel the world as a flight attendant. She returned to Calgary to marry Bernard Benning in 1964 and settled into raising three daughters. This union more than doubled the loving extended family that shaped her life.  

She was always up for a challenge and could be counted on to contribute. While raising their family, Maureen worked at several different ventures, from the small businesses they started, to real estate, to health care but she always said that nursing was her vocation. She was a consummate carer and intuitively knew what was needed. She formed lifelong friendships with her wit, kindness and grace. Her artistic talent and creativity shone in her painting, drawing and rug hooking. She had a beautiful voice and knew the words to every song. She was a member of several choirs through the years along with playing guitar and singing in the folk choir at St Pius. A highlight was performing at the closing ceremonies of the 1988 Olympics. Mom’s life was enriched by family and friends. She loved family parties (and there were many), playing bridge with the girls, rug hooking with her ‘hookers’, volunteering with the Creative Living committee at the Calgary Stampede, practising her faith and travelling. Her love and concern for her siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews endeared her to all. Even as she danced with dementia, she never lost her wit, self-deprecating humour and dignity. 

She is survived by her loving daughters: Caroline (George), Shelagh, and Lori (Paul), two sisters: Shelagh Hudon and Rita Bailey, and several in laws. She was a very special Ahma Moe to her seven grandchildren: Ellen (Shaun), Alison (Adam), Ame, Emma, Madelaine, Molly, and Liam. She especially enjoyed cuddling her great grandchildren Maeve, Norah, Heidi, Holly, and Ben. She was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Marion O’Connor, her husband Bernard, siblings Terrie, Gerrie, Vincent, and Marianne, and many of her beloved in-laws. 

We are deeply grateful to the staff at Quill Plains Centennial Lodge in Watson, SK for the incredible care they took of mom. She felt seen and safe and that was such a comfort for us. 

A Funeral Mass was celebrated Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 11:00 am at St Pius X Church, 2424 24 Ave NW in Calgary, AB.

A Memorial Service was held Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Malinoski and Danyluik Funeral Home & Crematorium, Highway 5 East, 10221 8th Avenue in Humboldt, SK.