COHEN, Benita Ester

It is with broken hearts we announce the sudden passing of Benita, after a brave battle with melanoma on November 17, 2021. Benita was a kind, gentle soul who worked tirelessly for social justice and fought for the rights of the vulnerable in society. In her position as Associate Professor in the College of Nursing (Faculty of Health Sciences) at the University of Manitoba, Benita’s work was focused on strengthening the integration of an equity/critical social justice lens in public health education, research, policy and practice. Benita was a quietly passionate person who enjoyed music, art, travel, literature, photography and nature. She had a flare for color and enjoyed an occasional whiskey. She leaves behind her loving family, friends, students, and the many people she touched across Canada through her work, including generations of nurses who she taught and inspired. All would agree that the world is a better place having known Benita. Benita will be sadly missed by her loving partner, Pete Sarsfield; her sister, Amy Doofenbaker; her brother, Ted Cohen (Aaron Burry); her stepdaughters, Jan Sarsfield and Sarah Sarsfield; and her granddaughter, Maxime Gibson-bruce. Benita was predeceased by her proud parents, Norman Cohen and Meta Fitch. Benita’s spirit will live on in our memories. Thanks for the wonderful memories. A memorial reception will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, November 22nd in Thomson Funeral Home. For those who wish, donations in Benita’s memory may be made to United Way Winnipeg, 580 Main St., Winnipeg, MB R3B 1C7. “Vaccine Proof” and valid government-issued photo identification for all attendees at the memorial reception is required. Thompson Funeral Home, 204-783-7211. Condolences may be sent to: www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com