JOAN DORIS BENSON

(née Comfort) In Loving Memory of (September 25, 1926 – September 13, 2025) Just shy of her 99th birthday, Mum, Nana, Joanie - she was known as all these - passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, inspiration, and unforgettable style. Born in the small naval town of Chatham, Kent, UK, to Ted and Bessie Comfort, Joan came of age during World War II, a challenging arena that forged her longtime determination and spirit to live a full and vibrant life. At the age of 21, she purchased herself a one-way ticket across the Atlantic, seeking a larger canvas in the post-war new world for her incredible energy and spirit. Toronto, Canada became her home, and it was here that fate introduced her to the great love of her life, John "Tiger" Benson. Together, they built a partnership filled with hard work, much joy, friendship, family, and shared adventures that spanned decades until John's untimely death in 1990. Joan lived her life with grace, sparkle, and a flair all her own. A true lover of fashion, she delighted in putting herself together with timeless elegance, often turning heads with her impeccable style. She found joy in dancing, where her energy and rhythm lit up any room, on the lawn bowling greens, and on the tennis court, where her competitive spirit was matched only by her charm. Known far and wide as a gracious hostess, Joanie had a rare gift for making everyone feel welcome. She and John were members of the Toronto Cricket, Skating and Curling Club since the 1950s and purchased their home on the edge of the cricket field in 1964. Gatherings at the Benson Bar, post cricket games, were renowned for their warmth, signature sausage rolls, and plenty of story-telling and laughter. At the center of all this was Joanie - beautiful, funny, and vibrant. Always ready for new memories to be made, thankfully, she left us plenty. Joanie's generosity, kindness, and bravery were an inspiration to friends and family alike. She was an exceptional "Nana" and her true legacy is how her fearless spirit lives on in her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom admired and adored her. While unable to escape "the long goodbye" associated with Alzheimer's disease, Joanie's positive life energy shone through to the end. Though she has left this world, the image of Joanie, Nana, Mum - stylish, smiling, perhaps mid impish giggle - remains etched in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know and love her. Joan Doris Benson is survived by her children, Craig and Meredy; grandchildren, Serra, Jason, Clare, Julian, Adrian, Todd, and Holly; great-grandchildren, Dahlia, Boden, Atlas, and Charlie; as well as her sister, Beryl, her husband, Brian; nieces and nephews, Matt, Rebecca, Stephen, Rowan, and Vivian. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to remember Joanie with a gift to Alzheimer's Society of Canada.