Miriam BENNETT

BENNETT, Miriam Sophia (Lieblich)
March 29, 1943 - October 10, 2012
It was with great sadness that her family would like to share the passing of Miriam Bennett after a long and courageous battle from complications of cancer. Predeceased by her parents Alfred and Gabriellla Lieblich. She leaves behind her loving husband Robert WG Bennett, son Mark Terry (Vania) and grandchildren Vivian and Louise, brother Alex Lieblich (Pat), nephew Kenneth (Lydia), nieces Andra, Stephanie and Christina (Gareth). She lived in Bucharest, Montecarlo, Amsterdam, Montreal, Brussels and Vancouver. She was multilingual, speaking 8 languages. She was a consummate traveller, inspired by more than 80 countries. She received degrees, diplomas and certificates from McGill and University of Montreal and UBC. She was an instructor at Vancouver Community College (VCC), Langara and King Edward campuses for 34 years and acted as department head , division chairperson, and instructors' association activist. Her career included radio and TV commentator, translator, and journalist for the CBC French service, editor and publisher of a French language weekly. She was a patron of the arts. Miriam was an avid live theatre enthusiast attending performances many times over. She was a board member and governor of the Arts Club Theatre, a board member of Performing Arts Lodge (PAL), a board member and chairperson (5 years) for the Royal BC Museum, instrumental in creating a BC provincial trust from a BC government department. Along with her mother Gaby, she collected hand held fans and was a board member of FANA (American Fan Association). Miriam had style, wit and warmth and was well known for her dazzling jewellery and expressive eye glass frames. She was a free spirit who did not apologize for the space she occupied nor for the air she breathed. Although our world will be less interesting without her, Miriam's memory and influence will remain with her family, many friends, colleagues and students, all of whom so admired her. Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Performing Arts Lodge. A gathering of friends and family to celebrate her life will take place at a later date.