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September 23, 1924 - May 10, 2020
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved grandmother, Erna Olga Wilks, of Qualicum Beach, on Sunday May 10, 2020 (Mother's Day). Erna passed away at the age of 95 at the Nanaimo Regional Hospital after a brief illness.
Erna was born to Henry and Mary Bendig, in Leroy, Saskatchewan on September 23, 1924. Growing up in a large family during the depression and WWII, Erna was ever frugal and always appreciative of the small pleasures in life. A farm girl at heart, she retained her love for gardening and the outdoors even after she relocated to Edmonton, Alberta, with husband Richard, in the late 1940s and to Whitecourt, Alberta in 1965. Moving to Vancouver Island in 1992 was a dream come true for her and she relished in the beauty of the Island's gardens and trees.
Erna lived a full life as a wonderful mother, grandmother / great-grandmother and homemaker.
She loved to bake and read and she was highly skilled with knitting needles and crochet hooks. In her younger years, she also enjoyed fishing, camping and duck hunting. Erna always loved children and was quick to share a hug, a story or a sweet treat.
A resident of Hawthorne Place in Qualicum Beach since 2011, Erna made several good friends and enjoyed weekly crib games and Bingo.
Erna will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by brother Albert (Rose) Bendig of St. Catherine's, Ontario; son-in-law, Harold Eglinski, two granddaughters Shannon (Jeff ) Rosnau of Qualicum Beach, BC and Lindsay (Shane) Waters of Whitecourt, Alberta; eight great-grandchildren Kathryn, Benjamin, Noah and Joshua Rosnau; Emma, Sophia, Isabella and Lucia Waters; and one great-great grandson Theodore. Erna's memory will be cherished by numerous nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.
Erna was predeceased by: her husband, Richard Wilks, daughter, Beverley Wilks; parents, Henry and Mary Bendig; two sisters and four brothers: Hilda (Ben) Elke; Hadie (Dan) Schroeder; Sigfried (Eva) Bendig; Clarence Bendig; William Bendig and Gustav Bendig; sisters-in-law Vivian Hook and Elaine Wilks and niece Maureen Harkness.
Due to current gathering restrictions, there will be no in-person memorial at this time. Information regarding future memorial arrangements will be shared with friends and family.



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