Obituaries

BENNETT, Audrey

November 23, 1933 - August 30, 2022

With heavy hearts and deep love, we say goodbye to our beautiful mother, grandmother and friend, Audrey Lyne Bennett (née James), who passed away peacefully at home on August 30, 2022 at the age of 88.

Audrey was born in Duncan, BC in 1933 to horticulturalists Jack and Dorothy James, and was the younger sister to Mary and Val. She moved to Kelowna with her family at age 11, where she was able to develop her passion for all things aquatic: competing on the swim team, synchronized swimming, teaching, lifeguarding, and participating in across-the-lake swims on Okanagan Lake. Her athleticism continued as she became proficient in tennis and golf and, in later years, taught aqua aerobics classes. She was a thoughtful and caring individual who also worked as a volunteer at KGH. Disciplined by nature, she kept her mind active throughout her life with hobbies like bridge and reading.

Audrey’s passions led her to the love of her life, Bill (William Richards Bennett). As the story goes, Bill spotted Audrey on a float while she was competing for the title of Lady of the Lake, and he knew she was the one. Married in 1955, Audrey and Bill had four sons: Brad (Birgit), Kevin (Leah), Stephen (Shayna), and Greg (Connie); followed by eight grandchildren: Michael (Christie), Carmen (Anthony), Jarrett (Leissa), Makena, Lyndon ‘Ridge’, Corey, Reece, David (Kami); and three great-grandchildren.

The couple raised their sons on the family property by the lake in Westbank, where Audrey lovingly tended the orchard and gardens with her inherited green thumb. Lasting memories were created from the many gatherings with close family friends at the property, and from the many winter weekends spent at the family’s Big White condo.

When husband Bill entered politics in 1973 and subsequently served the province as Premier from 1975-1986, Audrey was the rock that held the family together. Although preferring her private life, she graciously rose to the occasion whenever called upon to represent the province alongside her husband to royalty and heads of state from around the world.

Despite losing Bill in 2015 and her youngest son Greg in 2019, Audrey continued to live a full and independent life. While dignified in her reserve, she was also feisty and fun, and we will miss everything about our dear matriarch. We are blessed to have had her in our lives for as long as we did, and we will love and cherish her forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the KGH Foundation, www.kghfoundation.com.

A Celebration of Life will be held on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, at 10:00 AM, at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com (or click the direct link with her name in it, just below).

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/bennett-audrey

Condolence Messages

Sep 30, 2022
Our deepest condolences to the Bennett Family on the loss of Audrey. She was a very lovely lady always so pleasant and kind. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Chris Turton and family.
Sep 26, 2022
Brad, Kevin, Stephen and families,

So sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was a lovely and elegant woman, and I know she will be greatly missed by many. Its' so hard to lose a mom, my heartfelt condolences to all of you.

Sincerely, Cheryl McNaughton - Cheryl McNaughton
Sep 24, 2022
Marg and I would like to convey our sincere condolences to Stephen, Kevin and Brad and families for your loss. Your mother was a lovely and proud wife, mother and grandmother. Our thoughts are with you on this day of the celebration of her life.

Mark and Marg Flett - Mark and Marg Flett
Sep 23, 2022
My sincere condolences to your family for your great loss. - Linda Yablonski
Sep 19, 2022
Sympathies from 1342 Bertram Street and family,from my Zhoda home as I returned home, prairie farmers and beach home owners, as a divorced cowgirl, I seen she Audrey was lucky to have such a good life with people we knew them both, the WAC Bennett home Parliament and Bill Bennit, remembering them in Kelowna, B.C. and fruits orchards picking fruits where I have left for now. - theresa Krasnuik Parisien
Sep 17, 2022
Brad so sorry to hear of your moms passing a great lady she will be be missed - don favell
Sep 17, 2022
My deepest Sympathy to all! Your parents have reunited ! I personally got to know your mom when caring for your dad - such fabulous people! May they rest in Peace -together again! Prayers to all! - Debra Chubaty
Sep 14, 2022
To Brad,Birgit and the Bennett family-

Your mother alongside your Dad were leaders in the community and in the province.

Your mom’s talent in sports and her enjoyment of water meant that her family also benefited by being involved in skiing at Big White and participating in water sports.

Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was a classy lady and much loved.

Our thoughts are with you and we are sending hugs-

Sincerely-

The Heffernan family - Kathleen Heffernan (McFadden)
Sep 11, 2022
Dearest Brad, Kevin, and Stephen,

Our hearts go out to you for the loss of your amazing mother.

I fondly remember her radiant smile and kindness. On days when I tagged along with the bridge club, she always let me play with your toys. Not too worry, I think she put your favourite toys out of reach! She was a gracious host to everyone.

May all your wonderful memories comfort you during this time. - Julie & David Crawford - Julie Crawford
Sep 10, 2022
Dear Kevin, Leah, Brad, Birgit and family,

So very sorry for your loss. Your Mom was an inspiration to many and will be greatly missed. Our sincere condolences, Ken and Carol (Brome) Pendleton - Carol Pendleton
Sep 10, 2022
My condolences - there are so many memories that go back so many years, and Audrey was quietly part of so many of them. When life swept her into the unexpected, she negotiated those events with unruffled dignity and left many of us with memories to cherish. Sharron Simpson - Sharron Simpson
Sep 08, 2022
My thoughts are with you, so many memories.

Philippa Wynn-Williams - Philippa Wynn-Williams
Sep 08, 2022
Brad, Kevin, Stephen and families,

Please accept our most sincere condolences on the death of your incredible mother, grandmother and wife. Audrey was a most amazing individual, who always put her family first. She will be missed by all those whose lives she touched,

- Lane & Ron Shupe
Sep 08, 2022
so very sorry to read of your Mom's passing...... i go back to school days, swimming and teaching at the aquatic ..... may she rest in peace now .... Alice de Pfyffer Lundy and the class of 53 - Alice de Pfyffer Lundy
Sep 07, 2022
As a young teenager busboy at La Bussola , circa 1980, Bill & Audrey would regularly dine. No matter how famous the patrons of Franco and Lilos - the Bennetts shone the brightest. Infinitely humble and respectful, their quiet demeanor spoke volumes.

Mrs. Bennett always made time to chat with us kids. A brief snapshot that has left a lasting impression.

Our familys sincerest condolences to the Bennetts.

The Prokops - Brent Prokop
Sep 07, 2022
Brad, Kevin and Stephen and your families I am so saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. I will always remember her as gracious and elegant. Cherish her memory. - Kandy Norick
Sep 07, 2022
Sending my heartfelt condolences to the whole family. May the cherished memories be held close to all of you to soften the present sadness.

Mellinda Cook (Baumann) - Mellinda Cook
Sep 07, 2022
Deepest condolences from the David and Thelma Bruce family. We know that they had lots of fun growing up together in Kelowna and later years in Palm Springs.
Sep 07, 2022
Our deepest condolences to the Bennett family,we were very lucky to have met her and became part of her family .Victor&Claire and Salling Family - Claire
Sep 07, 2022
My sincere condolences to the Bennett family on the loss of your mom and grandma. I met Audrey thru my mom Joan Noble and the ladies at the KGCC.

I always thought to myself how many incredible experiences and people she has met being “First Lady of BC” with her husband Bill. I kidded with her that she knew all the gossip about people in Kelowna but as a true lady that she was she just smiled and laughed. Sincerely Donna Noble - Donna Noble
Sep 07, 2022
My sincere condolences to the Bennett family. Audrey was an outstanding pillar of our community and was loved and will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Sincerely, Kathy York - Kathy York
Sep 07, 2022
Sending my deep condolences to the Bennett family. Audrey was a woman who met life’s challenges with grace, while nurturing the family that was her priority. She is a part of a group of families that shaped Kelowna and formed the bedrock of a thriving city...a legacy to be proud of and memories for “the boys” and their families to cherish.

Mickey Patryluk - Mickey Patryluk
Sep 07, 2022
Mrs Bennett was a very elegant lady and always had kind words for pioneer families'

She will be missed and made Kelowna a better place to live

Our thoughts and prayers are with you

Domenic and Lina Rampone - Domenic Rampone
Sep 07, 2022
Brad, Kevin, Stephen and families.

Very sad to read this as your Mom was a true quite lady who deserved full respect from those of us that knew her on the "political" side of life. I remember many a trip home from the campaign bus and having general chats. May she rest in peace. - David Langton