Obituary of Titania (Tina) Bennett

BENNETT, Titania (Tina) Bennett (née Gregorash) was born on May 18th, 1925 in Sandy Lake, Manitoba, north of Winnipeg, and passed away in St. Catharines, Ontario on January 29, 2024. Predeceased by her four brothers (Michael, Steve, Alex and Paul); husband Allan Bennett and son Allan and survived by her two sisters (Victoria and Helen). The Gregorash family were Ukrainians who immigrated to Canada in the early 1900’s and made Sandy Lake their home.

During WWII, while working for the wartime effort, Tina met and married Adolphe (Benny, Allan) Bennett (Chevalier) from London, England who was stationed in Canada to service aircraft engines.

Tina, after her marriage in 1944, was sent to the United Kingdom for the duration of the war and gave birth to her oldest child Allan. After the war, Tina and family returned to Canada. She recounted many interesting stories of the trips over and back during the war on transport ships.

The family then settled briefly in St Catharines before purchasing a home on Paffard Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake. They lived there for 10 years from the late 40’s through the late 50’s. Three more children: Louise, Suzanne (Susie) and William (Billy) were born during that period. The family then relocated back to St. Catharines where big Allan worked first with the NS&T then General Motors where he remained until retirement.

The family spent many days hiking the Bruce trail with forays to camp at Algonquin park as well as visiting anywhere within reach on a weekend. Annual vacations included travel to the eastern US states, Florida, and all of Canada.

Tina remained close to her children and grandchildren by visiting Louise and Susie many times in British Columbia and later Allan and his wife Cindy in New Brunswick.

Allan (Benny) and Tina travelled extensively, for many years, in their camper-van throughout Canada, the US and Mexico during the 80’s until his death in 1996.

Bill and his wife Donna, who remained in the Niagara area (Fonthill), until Donna’s early death in 2015, were Tina’s primary care givers after Allan’s death.

Tina sold her house on Aquadale Drive and moved into the Niagara Gardens retirement home. Her children would visit annually and kept in touch daily (precisely 11:45 eastern time). Tina had a sharp memory and many hours were spent discussing past and current events.

Tina will be missed by her children Allan,deceased,(Cindy); Louise (Tom); Suzanne (Dick) and Bill; her grandchildren Jim (Alicia); Greg (Alexandra); Maquinna; Lucas and Billy Jay and her grandchildren Kiara, Eric, Dustin and Ivory.

The family extends thanks to the staff of Niagara Gardens for their kind care of Tina. Arrangements have been entrusted to Essentials Cremation and Burial Services, and in keeping with Tina's wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no service at Tina’s request. Flowers are gratefully declined, but if desired, donations may be made to the Greater Niagara Humane Society in memory of Tina and her beloved dogs.