MAVIES GWENDOLINE CROCKFORD

It is with deep sadness we must share the news of Mavies' passing at Grace hospital in Winnipeg, on February 5th, 2025, at 77 years of age. 

Mavies will be remembered by her son Walter of Winnipeg, step-son Ronald (Michele) of Lac du Bonnet, granddaughter Genna (Michael) of East St Paul, great grandchildren, Rylyn and Jayden, sister June (Harold) Horsfall of Winnipeg, sister-in-law, Jessie Benstead of Brandon, Manitoba, extended step-family, numerous nieces and nephews and honorary "daughter"/friend Laura Middleton. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Wally, father George Benstead, mother Eva Benstead (Burke), brothers John, George and Russell.

Mavies was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, December 22, 1947. She grew up in the Weston neighborhood, graduating from Cecil Rhodes high school in 1964. Her yearbook write-up in her graduating year stated "Mavies is living proof that good things come in small packages". Although Mavies was small in height, she made up for this with her larger than life, no backing down attitude.

Mavies had known Wally for much of her younger life before they formed a relationship, had their son Walter in 1967 and, after years of caring for him since he very young, she became a stepmother to Ronald. Their relationship was made "official" when they got married in Thompson, Manitoba in 1971.  Mavies and Wally returned to Winnipeg and raised their family in East Kildonan, living for many years on Bowman Ave. Mavies was always very actively involved with her sons lives and was known to their friends as a second mom. She became involved with the Japan Karate Association when Walter joined and was irreplaceable as "office manager" of the Dojo. Although she never sported a gi, she earned the undying respect of all involved. 

When she became a grandmother in 1986, she was just as involved in Genna's life as she had been with her own children, she took her everywhere!! Mavies attended every school play, sporting event or gymnastics, volunteered at the school lunch program, and was, and still is well-known as Grandma to many of Genna's friends. Genna's children, Rylyn and Jayden brought such happiness and joy to their GiGi in the last years of her life, and she brought joy to theirs.

Although active in her sons' and granddaughter's lives, Mavies still had time to be a well-known, successful "Avon Lady" for over 40 years, earning President's club accolades on multiple occasions. Through Avon, she developed many, many life-long friendships and will no doubt be missed by all. 

Along with her love of her family, she also had a love of all animals and until the last few years, always had a pet or two as a companion.

Sadly, Mavies struggled for the past several years with multiple health issues, diabetes, congestive heart failure, dementia, and, combined with being twice hit by a car, she recently had to move into personal care and was residing at Pembina Personal Care at the time of her passing. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba-Dementia care and Brain Health or to an animal rescue of your choice.

A Celebration of Mavies’ life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 603 Wellington Crescent (Unitarian Facility).

Mavies’ family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

​

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

​