Reta Barbara Bennett

Beloved wife of the late Jack Bennett. Loving mother of Suzen Breault (Mel), Lewis "Louie" (Nancy), Brian, David, Steven (Patty), Laura Lee Foglia (Sam) and the late Fred Bennett. Cherished grandmother of Clayton (Lianne), Kevin (Leanne), Lou (Jessica), Tina, Bobby (Jessica), Brandon, Jason (Marie), Kevin, John, Heather, Peter (Shawlee), Nathan, Sarah (Brent), Patty (Larry), Brad (Robin) and Jeremy. Great grandmother of 17. Daughter of the late Chester and Lillian Gliddon. Sister of the late Cora Kennedy, late Helen Schell (late Angus), late Pearl Riley (late Bernard), late Earl Gliddon (Rita), late Elgin Gliddon (late Earla), Margaret Rivers (late Alfred) and Donald Gliddon (late Judy). Reta is predeceased by her in-laws Stella Tauvette (late Leo), Tom, Bill, Walter (late Charlotte) and Dolly Stiber (late Paul). Reta will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews. Reta maintained life long friendships with family members in Gravenhurst where she grew up. Always making an annual trip to spend time with the Glidden family, who were so very dear to her. Special thanks to the Sault Area Hospital nurses Tracey and Allison and to the staff of Cedar 1 at the F. J. Davey Home especially Tara and Tracy. A private funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church. Pastor Jack DeVries officiating. Interment Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions to the Alzheimers Society would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funereal Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street E. 705-759-2522).

EULOGIES

By Daughter, Suzen Breault

She was a great lady and we were blessed to have had her in our family. Mom wanted to make life better for each person she met. If there was something she could do or if she could find something that was needed, she didn't hesitate. Here are some facts about Mom that most attending today will already know, but are worth mentioning.

My parents, Reta & Jack lived on Farquhar Street in Manitou Park for 40 years and raised their family there. Seven children, five boys and two girls. She worked as a custodian at Algoma District School Board, he worked at Algoma Steel. They were not well off but they gave. They gave everything they had to give and didn't hold back. They were the perfect example of the proverb: "Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it is within your power to help them." Manitou Park was a place where it was common to find 7 children in one home, 8 in another, 10 in a third. As was indeed the reality there. Twenty-five children in three homes on our section of the street. Neighbours helping neighbours.

There was an open door policy at the Bennett home on Farquhar. They raised seven and welcomed countless others into their home. No one was turned away.

Mom's turkey dinners were delicious and are famous with her children grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Many times 25 attending....and she didn't skimp on the butter. Always pies for dessert after the turkey dinner. She was the pie queen. Usually 16 pies for the occasion so people could take a pie or two to go home with. She made our favorites: blueberry, apple, lemon, pumpkin and strawberry/rhubarb. Mom made jam, raspberry and blueberry. Once when my husband told her he really enjoyed her raspberry jam - it wasn't long and she was at the door to give him 3 cases - yes, cases! Twelve times three, thirty six jars of raspberry jam.

One of her hobbies was embroidery. She would stitch quilt square and her sister Cora would sew them into beautiful quilts. Quilts she had on her bed til the end of her life. She made quillows and fleece tie blankets. A quillow is a quilt and a pillow rolled into one item. If you check family beds and linen closets you are sure to find some that she made.

She loved to take photos, hundreds and hundreds of photos, not stored on a digital device rather all developed and in albums. If she was at an occasion there was going to be photos taken. Coins: my parents collected commemorative coins and coins in general. The coin didn't have to be special to be added to the collection. Many milestone occasions were marked with the gifting of a set of boxed coins - graduations, weddings, anniversaries and birthdays. When Mom moved from her apartment on Breton Road to Great Northern Retirement Home, $980. in coins were rolled up. These were not the collectables, just the extras.

Mom & Dad spent many summers camping in Thessalon and that became a gathering place for their children and grandchildren. My Dad spent many hours picking blueberries in the area. We could be sure that we would be given blueberries. They never sold blueberries, they were given. These were the blueberries that Mom made into pies and jam. With a generous portion remaining so they would be able to give.

My Mom grew up in Gravenhurst. Returning there every year to spend time with her Gliddon family who were so very dear to her. She had four sisters, Helen & Cora, the twins and Pearl and Marg. Three brothers, Earl, Elgin and Donny. Her late brother Earl had a very special place in her heart as he helped the family through some very difficult times. When my Mom was a young child of 8 years Earl took in his Mom and his three youngest sibling to live with him. He was a young man and newly married. As a result of the kindness shown to her she remained life-long friends with Earl and his wife, "Big Rete". My Mom was called "Little Rete" by her Gravenhurst family.

This past year has been a very difficult one for our dear Mom. She dealt with many health issues. She tried her best to get up each time she was down, now she's at rest. In closing, my family is thankful for the out-pouring of kindness and caring that we've received. It is a comfort to us who loved her and will miss her. Thank you for being here today. Also, to her grandsons, Clayton and Kevin Breault, Lou and Bobby Bennett, Peter and Nathan Foglia, who are serving as Pallbearers today, I thank you.

By Granddaughter, Sarah Foglia

Most people knew her as Reta Bennett, I was one of the lucky ones who knew her as grandma. She took that role pretty seriously when it came to spoiling us.

My grandma did not live an easy life, she faced many difficult days but remained the kind hearted person she was. I am pretty positive that because of the difficulties she faced, she made a point to make everyone else’s life she touched a little bit easier.

She was always ready and willing to give, she would seriously offer a stranger the shirt off her back if it meant that would help them through their day. She had something for anyone who needed anything. If you were hungry, she fed you, if you needed a place to sleep, she had a bed for you. If you needed something sewn, she already had her sewing kit out. If you wanted a pie, she surely had one of each flavour for you.

My parents, brothers and I lived with grandma for several months when I was about 8 or 9, while we were there some older boys were bullying me. When I came home needing help with these bullies, the advice she gave me was definitely not typical advice you would expect a grandmother to give her granddaughter. The way she told me to handle these bullies was “The next time they bug you, pull up your sleeves and punch the smallest one right where it hurts! That will show them not to bug a little girl like you again.” Her strategies were anything but typical, and they were always good.

My grandma will be remembered as the woman who was a grandma to all, she was tough because she had to be, she was funny because she knew life doesn’t need to be taken so seriously, and she was the most generous person.

RETA'S 75TH BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE

Hello everyone. Could I have your attention for a moment. The meal will be served shortly so I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome you here today to celebrate my Mother's 75th birthday. As most of you know I'm Suzen, Reta's oldest daughter.

We have guests who have come from out of town to be with us today and I'd like to say a special thank you to them and introduce them. When I say your name please stand. There is a group from Gravenhurst: Mom's sister, Marg Rivers, Mom's brother, Don Gliddon, sister-in-law Reta Gliddon, Reta Gliddon's son Danny and his wife Lynn. Mom's has maintained strong ties with her family in Gravenhurst over the years and all of you mean a lot to her. Thank you for being here today. Also, from Exeter, Ontario I'd like to welcome Mom's niece Grace and her husband Wayne Steeper. I'd like to introduce my brother David who is here from Toronto. Thanks, David. He can be hard to get in touch with. When I called in July to tell him about the party he only answered his phone because he was expecting a call from someone else and thought it was them calling.

And now before we eat I'd like to call on my niece Sarah, Laura Lee's daughter and Mom's youngest grandchild to come and say grace. Thank you, Sarah.

***********************************

Could I have your attention please. Dessert will be served soon and so there are a few people who have some thoughts to share at this time. (Introduce Gail, Tina and Kevin)

Tribute to Reta by daughter Suzen

The year was 1934: the Dionne quintuplets were born in Ontario in May of that year, the only set of five identical girls ever recorded. Richard Bennett was Prime Minister of Canada, that's a familiar family name. The Great Depression had hit with full force. Unemployment was at 27% that year. Growing up in the Great Depression was not easy and I've heard the stories of hardship and sacrifice that were made. This is a letter to Prime Minister Bennett at the time. "Dear Mr. Bennett, I suppose I am silly to write this letter but I haven't anyone else to write to. We are just one of the families on relief and trying to keep our place without being starved out...trying to get a start without money and five children, all small. I am sure we can make a go of this place if we could manage until next fall. Please help me by sending some money and I will send you my engagement ring and wedding ring as security. My two rings cost over $100. fifteen years ago but what good are they when the flour is nearly all done and there isn't much to eat in the house." Definitely difficult times.

While all that was happening Chester & Lillian Gliddon's seventh child of eight was born and they named her Reta Barbara. She grew up and met Jack Bennett and they married. In the early years of their marriage they lived in a home with no running water, no electricity and no indoor plumbing. I can remember going to a well on Goulais Avenue with my parents to get water in a large metal jug that had a metal lid. Now think about that for a minute. No running water, no indoor plumbing while raising a growing family.

All of the things she went through made Reta into the person she is today. If I were to give you a few words to describe my Mom they would be: generous, kind, accepting of others and easy to please. Today she is a cherished Mother of seven, Grandmother of fourteen and Great Grandmother of twelve. She is a beloved sister, sister-in-law, mother-in-law, aunt and a friend to many.

When asked about special memories of times spent with her, her family members said they have the best memories of all those turkey dinner's that she hosted for us over the years. She makes the best anywhere. And her pies, well there are none better.

Mom, each of us has called on you in our times of need and you have been so gracious. If you look up the meaning of "gracious" in the dictionary it means: kind, favorable, pleasing and indulgent. I think it fits. The ways you have helped us and supported us would fill a book. So we thank you for all you do. And we wish you Happy Birthday!

FUNERAL TRIBUTE TO JACK BENNETT, JULY 2, 2002

Brian: Before we share some memories of Dad I'm going to take this opportunity to recognize the overwhelming support we've received over the past few days. On behalf of our Mother and the whole family we say thank you to all who have expressed their concern in so many ways. Thanks to Dr. Fratesi and the nursing staff. Also thanks to the pastoral care lady for your prayer at Dad's bedside. Thanks to Peter and the staff at Arthur's Funeral Home for looking after all the details and planning. Thanks to Captain McNeilly from the Salvation Army for your spiritual support. Thanks to our employers and co-workers, especially from CIBC, Tilden and Ellwood Robinson. Thank you to friends and family for your words spoken to encourage us. It's good to be in a caring community like Sault Ste. Marie. Your support has meant so much.

Suzen: And now we'd like to share some memories. Mostly of life growing up at 212 Farquhar Street with our Dad.

Thanks Dad for the ways you showed love to us. For the times you worked overtime at Algoma Steel. When working overtime you were given canteen food vouchers and you would use them to fill your lunch pail with goodies to bring home. Oh, how we wanted to be the first to open that lunch pail when you got home! That was great fun.

The way you could tell a story using such expression and gestures. We could visualize the scenes because you made them come alive. You captured our interest and made us laugh.

Thanks Dad for the drives you took us on to go blueberry picking, looking for scrap metal or just exploring. You taught us your love for adventure.

212 Farquhar Street saw a lot of babies come and grow. With seven children and sixteen grandchildren and countless visitors. Dad had a great way with babies. He'd hold them against his shoulder and walk with them. That is a great memory for me, I loved seeing him carry a baby.

Brian: Dad worked 37 years at Algoma Steel to provide for the financial needs of his family. Dad, you gave everything you had. You sacrificed for us, thanks for all you gave. Now don't think that life was all peaches and cream with Dad. If he was mad at you he held a grudge. When he got a chance he'd take a shot at you, verbally. And physically too when he thought you needed it.

Suzen: We are going to miss you Dad. And we're going to miss the blueberries. Wow! He picked a lot of blueberries for us. He gave them to us never asking for or accepting payment. Thanks Dad, you taught us that money is not the most important thing.

We're going to miss visiting you at Thessalon Park. We'll miss sharing our milestone with you, weddings, graduations and birthdays. We're going to miss the favours you did for us. When we needed something, you didn't hesitate. Mel remembers a few winters ago when his snowblower broke down, Dad was right there to lend a hand. He brought his snowblower over on the back of his truck, cleared our driveway and then took Mel to pick up a new snowblower. There were so many times we needed him and he was there.

In my Mother's kitchen there's a water tank in the corner and Dad often sat on the chair beside it. As we were gathering photos for the photo display Clayton said, "Grandma, we have more photos of Grandpa beside the water tank than we do beside you." We laughed, Dad would have laughed too.

I thank God for the privilege of spending 49 years with my Dad and each of my family members is grateful for the years they've had with him too. How do you adequately honour the life of a man who gave us so much? We will cherish the memories he left us and do our best to live the lessons he taught us.

GENEALOGY

Reta Barbara Gliddon 1934-2021

Parents: Chester Gliddon 1900-1984, Lillian Gliddon 1903-1961

Siblings: Cora 1922-2011, Helen 1922-1993, Pearl 1924-2017, Earl 1926-2000, Elgin 1928-2010, Kenneth 1930-1931, Margaret 1932,

Donald 1936

Reta's Children: Fredrick Barry Earl, Carol Suzen, Randy Lewis, Charles Brian, John David, Walter Steven, Barbara Laura Lee

Grandchildren: Brad and Jeremy Willet, Patty Bennett, Clayton and Kevin Breault, Lewis, Bobby, Tina Bennett, Brandon Bennett, Jason Kidder,

Kevin, John and Heather Bennett, Peter, Nathan and Sarah Foglia

Great Grandchildren Frazier and Cailey Willet, Chayse Willet, Katie and Samantha Duvall, Connor and Bryson Breault, Kohl Bennett, Cameron and

Jack Wynne, Kyona, Jersey and Tucker Bennett, Valin and Brian Bennett, Devon Kidder, Dakota Bennett

Reta's Husband John Charles Bennett, known as Jack 1929-2002, married June 13th 1952

Jack's Parents Thomas Roy Bennett 1890-1959, Gladys Lottie Daynard 1899-1970

Jack's Siblings William (Bill) Vincent 1921-1977, Alanta (Dolly) Vivian 1922-1983, Thomas Edward 1923-1990, Walter Edmond 1929-1990,

Stella Myrtle 1932-2006

MORE ABOUT RETA

She was a great cook. Her turkey dinners are legendary within our family. She also made roast beef dinners, chili, spaghetti and meatballs and pots of stew and soup, so many favorites. And she was a fabulous baker: cinnamon buns, pies of every kind, cookies and Pig cake, just to mention a few. This is her recipe for Pig Cake. She made it many times for us and when she did it was good so we couldn't help but pig out!

Pig Cake Recipe

1 Yellow cake mix

1/2 cup oil

4 eggs

1 can mandarin oranges, juice and all

1/2 cup coconut

Mix ingredients together and mix for 2 minutes using a blender on medium speed. Pour mixture into a greased and floured 13x9 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

Frosting

1 large tub Cool Whip

1 small vanilla pudding mix, use it dry, not prepared

1 can crushed pineapple

Mix ingredients together blending well. Spread on cooled cake. It's time to pig out!

A WOMAN OF NOBLE CHARACTER

She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.

She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.

Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!"

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.

Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds declare her praise.

Proverbs 31: 25-31

* * * * * * * * * *

BENNETT, Reta Barbara - Passed away peacefully at the Sault Area Hospital on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at the age of 86.

Beloved wife of the late Jack Bennett. Loving mother of Suzen Breault (Mel), Lewis "Louie" (Nancy), Brian, David, Steven (Patty), Laura Lee Foglia (Sam) and the late Fred Bennett. Cherished grandmother of Clayton (Lianne), Kevin (Leanne), Lou (Jessica), Tina, Bobby (Jessica), Brandon, Jason (Marie), Kevin, John, Heather, Peter (Shawlee), Nathan, Sarah (Brent), Patty (Larry), Brad (Robin) and Jeremy. Great grandmother of 17. Daughter of the late Chester and Lillian Gliddon. Sister of the late Cora Kennedy, late Helen Schell (late Angus), late Pearl Riley (late Bernard), late Earl Gliddon (Rita), late Elgin Gliddon (late Earla), Margaret Rivers (late Alfred) and Donald Gliddn (late Judy). Reta is predeceased by her in-laws Stella Tauvette (late Leo), Tom, Bill, Walter (late Charlotte) and Dolly Stiber (late Paul). Reta will be sadly missed by many nieces and nephews. Reta maintained life long friendships with family members in Gravenhurst where she grew up. Always making an annual trip to spend time with the Gliddon family, who were so very dear to her. Special thanks to the Sault Area Hospital nurses Tracey and Allison and to the staff of Cedar 1 at the F. J. Davey Home especially Tara and Tracy. A private funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church. Pastor Jack DeVries officiating. Interment Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions to the Alzheimers Society would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street E. 705-759-2522). Please visit www.arthurfuneralhome.com to leave a message of condolence for the family.