Renate Bennett

It is with sadness that we share the passing of Renate Bennett “Oma”. Renate was born in Kiel, Germany. Raised by foster parents, she inherited a large “Bennett” clan when she met her husband, Robert (Bob). Together they raised two sons, Randolph (Randy) Shane & Keith Garrett. There was no prouder mother than Renate of her boys. The Bennett’s were stationed in various Provinces & Germany, finally settling in Bear River, while Bob was stationed at CFB Cornwallis. Renate had various jobs throughout her lifetime and one of her most memorable was at the mess kitchen in Cornwallis, making salads for homesick recruits to rave reviews. Renate had a great love of cooking. “Did you eat?” was a question whenever a visitor stopped by. The smell of red cabbage and roast permeated from the doorstep every Sunday. On a Saturday night, Renate could be found with Bob at the Warrant Officers & Sergeants’ Mess “cutting a rug”. They were a graceful pair, gliding across the floor. Renate loved nothing better than dancing with Bob. In their later years, they enjoyed a camp at the Digby East Fish & Game Association, where her grandson Shane often spent weeks at a time during summers. Renate enjoyed fishing, swimming, socializing, & making salads for every potluck that was held. Many family trips were enjoyed with Bob’s family in Newfoundland and visits to Toronto to visit Randy, Angelina & Shane. Renate loved being a mother; but absolutely adored being a grandmother to her boys, Shane, Devon, Daniel & Adam. After every visit a bag of “candy” was carefully placed in each hand with a wink, “don’t tell your parents”. In 2013, Renate was reunited with daughter, Brenda (living in Virginia) who had been placed for adoption while Renate was a young woman in Germany. Shortly after, in a full circle moment, Brenda found Petra; Renate’s oldest daughter, living in Switzerland. Both have travelled to Nova Scotia with their families on several occasions to meet with their birth mother. It was a blessing for Renate to know that her much thought about daughters were healthy, happy & had sons of their own. This added four more grandsons to the count. Renate was also an animal lover, and many family dogs, cats, goats & ducks called their little house home. Her faithful companion, a Siberian Husky, Nishka will miss snuggling with her. At Christmas “Oma” looked forward to a Husky calendar that her youngest grandson, Adam would gift her. Renate was a bit shy when it came to being the center of attention but could be coaxed to sing “Wooden Heart” in German during family gatherings. In later years, Keith purchased her an “Alexa” for Christmas, and she enjoyed telling Alexa to play her favourite songs, one of her favourites being “Mama liked the Roses” by Elvis Presley. A Celebration of Life will be held at Bob & Renate’s home in Bear River later in the Spring when the “roses are in bloom”. There will be music, singing and salads, just what “Oma” would want. Renate is survived by her husband, Robert Bennett, Bear River; Randy Bennett (Angelina), Mississauga; Keith Bennett (Vicky), Dartmouth; grandsons Shane Bennett (Samantha), Ottawa (great-grandchildren, Xavier & Elizabeth); Devon Bennett (Mallory), Dartmouth; Daniel Bennett (Marie), Windsor, NS; Adam Bennett (Felicia), Halifax. Birth daughters & grandchildren; Brenda Bailey (Robert), Kinsale, Virginia, Murphy Bailey (Kaitlyn), Matthew Bailey (Jordan); Petra Orubolo (Roberto) Switzerland, Timo (Rebekka) great-grandson Julin, Aron (Sabrina). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Valley Regional Hospital or the NS Heart & Stroke Association. A special thank you to the Doctors & the Nurses who made her last days comfortable and caring.

“Muss i denn, muss i denn zum Städtele hinaus?

Städtele hinaus

Und du, mein Schatz, bleibst hier”