KONYNENBELT, Rosemary

ROSEMARY KONYNENBELT 1939 – 2023 It is with great sadness that we share Rosemary Konynenbelt, age 83, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2023, with her son, Kevin Konynenbelt, and daughter, Pamela Bender, by her side. She was uplifted and showered in love by our extended family throughout the day until Kevin and Pam could arrive.
Rosemary was born on September 5, 1939, in Lethbridge, Alberta to Clifford and Beth Benson, the oldest of 4 children and the only daughter. She grew up in the Shaughnessy/Picture Butte area before attending the University of Alberta in Edmonton where she received her teaching certificate. It was at her first teaching assignment at Noble Central School in Nobleford, she fell in love with John Konynenbelt, marrying on June 30, 1961, eventually settling in Lethbridge. They welcomed Kevin in 1962 and Pamela in 1966.
Life was not without trials and tribulations. She survived devastating brain cancer, brain aneurysm, broken hip, two operations for a broken femur, and the onset of dementia. To the end she was an incredibly strong and resilient woman. It is an honour to have had her in our lives.
She will forever be remembered as a sweet, kind woman who’s high heels matched her outfits, made sure there was dessert after every meal, loved to bake – making the best Nanaimo squares, and was always up for a glass of white wine.
Rosemary is survived by her two children; Kevin (Chris Bell) Konynenbelt, his sons Declan Konynenbelt, Kieran (Sarah Walker) Konynenbelt; Pam (Mike) Bender, their son, Ian Pollard, and daughter Ashlyn (Kyle) Wendland; brother Ken (Kathy) Benson; sisters-in-law Rosemarie Benson, Trudie (Bert) Slomp; brothers-in-law Bill Plomp, Galen Konynenbelt; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, many who lovingly referred to her as Auntie Morrie.
She was predeceased by her husband John Konynenbelt; brothers Harold and Anson Benson; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Hermina (Mint) and Bill Loslo; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Arie and Leida Konynenbelt; and sister-in-law Marie (Toots) Plomp.
We would like to thank the caring staff at Extendicare Fairmont, Darlene Duncan of Paradigm Health, Karen Ostrup for keeping Mom’s laundry and hearing aids in top shape, and her weekly hairdressers.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 6:00 – 7:00 pm, on Friday, May 5, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta
We invite you to share in a Celebration of Life which will be held at 3:00 pm, on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at MARANATHA CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 260 McGill Blvd W, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Pastor Jim Zondervan, officiating. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCua0ndvGcQvkahtBWQCTjAw
As a celebration of Rosemary, who loved flowers and springtime, we encourage wearing colours of the season.
A private family Interment will be held prior at the Nobleford/Monarch Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local Cancer Research Agency.
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.