Josephine (Joan) Anne Bensted
April 14, 1932 – June 29, 2016
Joan passed away quietly on June 29, 2016, following several months of declining health. She is predeceased by her parents Louise and Jack Bensted, of Edmonton, and her brother, Jack Bensted of North Vancouver.
Joan is survived by her good friend Gordon Robertson, as well as relatives in Northern Ireland, England, the United States, Alberta and British Columbia.
Joan was an energetic, caring, conscientious woman who was known for her sense of humour, generosity, thoughtfulness and love of life. Through her career in Edmonton with Imperial Oil, her love of opera, photography and travel she met many fine friends with whom she kept in touch over the years. Her cousins in Ireland, Minnesota and Calgary were especially close to her heart. Highlands United Church was a very important part of her life. Joan was blessed to meet Gordon, and together the two of them enjoyed each other’s company over wine, dinners,lawn bowling, symphony, opera and church.
Memorial Service
Friday, July 15 at 1:00 pm
Highlands United Church
11305 64th St NW, Edmonton.
In lieu of flowers donations in Joan's name may be made to:
The Hope Mission, Edmonton or
The Lois Hole Hospital for Women, Edmonton
My Aunt Joan was always a Bright, Cheerful ball of energy. I have many memories of staying with her and Auntie Louie as a child in Edmonton sleeping on her crisp white sheets and spending time tending the flower beds. I recall her many stories of her travels and loved her adventurous spirit. Her spirit is with her beloved Lord now and may she forever Rest in Peace until we meet again. Love, your niece, Susan Iris Shields xo
I met Joan in the late 70’s while working for Imperial Oil as a mail girl, eventually ending up in the same department than her. We shared very good moments and a lot of laughs. I will sometimes go home with some potted violets which she had divided up and gave away to us at the office. She had a green thumb for sure.
We moved back to Spain in 1985 and on a trip to Europe, while visiting Ireland, she came to stay with us for a week with one of her dear cousins.
She had a great sense of humor and we always had a great time together; we hold fond memories of our friendship years which the distance did not dwindle.
She always told us anecdotes from the Church events as well as from her opera trips all over. She was very fond of Placido Domingo whom she had a chance to meet at the Metropolitan in N.Y. City.
She will still live in our hearts.
With love, Virginia, Pedro, Gonzalo & Carolina from Mijas, Spain
I met Joan in the late 70’s.We shared very good moments and a lot of laughs. I will sometimes go home with some potted violets which she grew wonderfully. She had a green thumb for sure.
We moved back to Spain in 1985 and while visiting Ireland, she came to stay with us for a week with one of her dear cousins.
She had a great sense of humor and we always had a great time together; we hold fond memories of our friendship years which the distance did not dwindle. She was very fond of Placido Domingo whom she had a chance to meet at the Metropolitan in N.Y. City.
She will still live in our hearts.
With love, Virginia, Pedro, Gonzalo & Carolina from Mijas, Spain
So sad to hear of the passing of our dear cousin Joan who will always be remembered with great affection for the lovely person she was, her kindness and generosity, sense of humour and her great zest for life.
We have treasured memories of many happy times spent with Joan, and Aunt Louise as well in earlier days, in Canada, England, Ireland and Spain. Joan lived her life to the full.
May she now rest in peace.
From Muriel and Pat in England.
Joan was my dad’s cousin, but I always saw her as my cousin too.
Growing up I very much looked forward to her visits to England. Joan was a lovely lady, full of life and laughter, and I enjoyed hearing about her travels and what life in Canada was like compared to England.
I remember her sending me over some wonderful books, such as Anne of Green Gables, and a story book about a Raccoon called Mischief!
She once had a doll hand made for me. I really treasured that doll, and still do. It always makes me think of Joan, and I will pass it onto my first child, who is due in November.
As an adult I enjoyed corresponding via cards and letters with Joan. It was lovely to keep Joan up to date with goings on in England, and to hear back from her all about her latest adventures.
Last time I got to see Joan was about 2006. I showed her my treasured Vespa scooter, and we went for lunch at a countryside pub (not on the scooter)!
The last time I was able to write to Joan was late Spring this year, to tell her the happy news that after 4 years and numerous treatments, my husband and I were finally expecting our first child. It makes me happy that she was able to know that before she passed.
I will miss writing to Joan, but she will always live on in my heart. A very special lady indeed.
Love always Joan,
From Becca xxx