Vera K Bencze

Vera (Veronica) Katherine Bencze – nee Brkich – born August 31, 1932, passed away on November 16, 2024. Vera was the third youngest of a clan of nine siblings, six sisters and two brothers, born to Jacob (Jake) and Frances Brkich. Born and raised on the family farm near Bladworth, Saskatchewan, Vera’s stalwart work ethic and determination led her to pursue further education at a teacher college in Saskatoon after finishing high school. She was offered a position at a school in Lestock, where she met and married Peter Bencze. Together they had seven children, five sons and two daughters. Vera worked relentlessly to provide for her family. In her late forties, Vera moved with her youngest children to Regina, where she changed her career by starting in the mail room at the Saskatchewan workers compensation board, working her way up to head administrative assistant.

Though often more of an observer, Vera actively cared for her family, friends, and students. She was an excellent teacher, revered by students and respected by her colleagues. Vera was an avid reader, which she passed on to her children and grandchildren, fueled by her passion for education and love of literature. She was a lifelong volunteer, and received an award for her work with the Schizophrenia Society of Canada, as well as for other volunteer work.

Vera ventured outside of Saskatchewan to visit friends and family in Western Canada and also explored Canada’s East coast, once on a train trip as a young woman and another with her daughters. Her daughter, Janice, took Vera to New York and to Europe. Vera treasured the souvenirs and postcards she collected on her travels and those sent to her by friends and family. More than anything, though, she loved her family, keeping and proudly displaying everything her children and grandchildren made or gave to her.

Those who knew Vera felt her calm, quiet acceptance and care, and experienced her mischievous nature. This “small but mighty” mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend was a trusted confidante, listening and offering support without judgement or unwanted advice. Vera strove to meet people where they were at, offering a smile or lending a hand. Vera believed, since the past could not be changed, in living in the present and making it beautiful. She valued faith, family, and service.

Vera is loved and deeply missed. She is survived by six of her children: Mark, Roy, Maureen, Glenn, Patrick, and Chris (Danica), granddaughters Emerson and Madeleine Rogers, and two of her sisters, Beth Shepherd and Theresa Tether. She was predeceased by her daughter, Janice, in October 2024. Vera’s memory lives on in cards she sent to her loved ones, each signed with “Lots of Love” – a sentiment deeply felt amongst those in her community. A joint celebration of Vera and Janice’s lives will be held in Regina, Saskatchewan, March 16th, 2025 at HMCS Queens 100 100 Navy Way at 1:00 pm.