Kelly Jean Bencze

It is with deep and everlasting love that we announce the loss of Kelly Jean Bencze, who passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025 at the age of 62. Kelly passed away at Langley Memorial Hospital with her loving family by her side. She was just 10 days shy of her 63rd birthday.

Kelly left behind her husband of 36 years, George Bencze; her two sons, Ron and Christopher; parents, George and Velda Leask; her younger sister, Coleen Weir, Kelly’s nieces Alexandra Weir, Kristen Bencze, Avalynn Bencze, Novella Bencze and Kelly’s nephews Craig Bencze, Cameron Bencze, Ryan Bencze, Michael Bencze and Dustin Bencze.

Kelly was a beautiful, loving, supportive wife and a mother that was devoted to her two sons beyond words. She was a daughter, a sister and an aunt who valued family above all else.

Born in Brandon, Manitoba, on January 11, 1962, Kelly spent her early childhood in Alberta before moving to Kamloops, where she graduated in 1980. She had a lifelong affection for all animals, especially cats and kittens.

An accomplished equestrian, Kelly competed in show jumping and other events, garnering many ribbons and trophies.

She also cherished nature, always taking a moment to admire her flowers (preferably with her cats!), and she took every opportunity to explore local gardens, bird sanctuaries, and nature preserves. Kelly was always excited by the many hummingbirds that flitted by the window, and was equally enthusiastic about every squirrel, crow, sparrow, and chickadee.

Kelly had a passion for knowledge as a lifelong bookworm, and was fascinated by both fiction and non-fiction. Further, she had a least one poem published, and wrote many short stories and poems. Kelly was always well-informed on current events, was knowledgeable on world history, and adored crossword puzzles and board games. Kelly delighted in the simple pleasures in life, as her heart sang when she had a cup of orange pekoe, a good book, and time for her crafts, like quilting, cross stitching, beading, and knitting.

Kelly was a devout Christian who avidly studied the Bible. She sought religion her whole life, but she found true purpose when she volunteered at Cloverdale Baptist Church. Her time with Awana fulfilled her deepest need to embrace God and develop young minds. She found the utmost joy in bringing a smile to a child’s face.

Kelly was a courageous woman, and she battled many illnesses without complaint. She fought MS through hard work and sheer willpower, to the amazement of her doctors. She took every new ailment in stride by adapting and showing the world only her radiant smile. Her infectious positivity, gentleness, patience, strength and steadfast kindness, will live on in the lives she touched.

My dearest Kelly, you are gone from our daily lives, but you were the bedrock of our family, and we continue to feel your presence every day, in every way. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to walk through life with you by my side every step of the way. Your boys and I thank you for every magical moment that we had with you.

Rest in peace, my sweetheart.

A Celebration of Life was held on February 22, 2025, at Cloverdale Baptist Church in Cloverdale, 18685 64 Ave.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MS Canada or to Canadian Animal Rescue & Extended Shelter (CARES)