Obituary of Mary Bench

BENCH, Mary Margaret (nee Shepherd) Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 13th at Niagara Gardens at the age of 95. Mary was the daughter of Lloyd Shepherd, of Shepherd Boats in Niagara on the Lake. She married Martin in 1941 and lived for almost 50 years on the family farm on McNab Road. Predeceased by her husband Martin James (1998), sister Zieta Hallett and brother Howard Shepherd. Much loved mother of Lloyd (Fran) and Paul (Susan), cherished grandmother of Christie (James) Leigh, Mark (Nicole), Craig (Katie Hlynsky), Amy (Shawn) Hunter, and loving great grandmother "Granny" of Eric D. and Eric M. Bench, Payton and Georgia Leigh, Hannah Bench, Allison Ladd, and Brodie and Paige Hunter. She will be forever missed by her close friend Clara. Mary's family will receive visitors at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines on Friday, October 16th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. A Funeral Liturgy will be held on Saturday, October 17th at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 316 Queenston Street at 10 am. Rite of Committal following in Victoria Lawn Cemetery. Vigil Prayers will be recited in the funeral home on Friday at 3pm. If desired, memorial donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Society or a charity of choice would be appreciated by the family.