Mabel Behnke

BEHNKE, Mabel Louise - passed away peacefully at Miramichi Lodge on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at the age of 95 years. Mabel Behnke (nee Schwanz) of Petawawa, beloved wife of 53 years to the late Wilfred Behnke (1990). Her and Wilfred's music was well known throughout the area. She could play any kind of music on her accordion. Dear mother of the late Doreen (at age 3), Vivian Young (Dave), Norma (late Wallace "Butch" Oelke; and companion Emerson Sack) and Sylvia Paquette (companion Larry Hammel). Foster Mom to Mona (Dave Harris) and Lee-Anne Johns (companion Rodney Blimkie). Daughter of the late Gustav and Wilhelmine Schwanz (nee Schwitzer). Mabel was blessed with eight grandchildren: Leah Halpenny (Dave), David Langlois, the late Christopher Langlois (Linda), the late Susan Martinat (Terry), Chad Oelke (Ann), Jeffrey Paquette, Tiffany Stark (Brian), and Adam Johns (Jennifer); as well as 12 great-grandchildren: Jeffrey, Jacob & Jeremy Halpenny; Nathan Langlois; Nicholas & Alexander Langlois; Kelsey & Kyle Martinat; Hayden & Addison Oelke; and Donovan & Xavier King. Predeceased by her siblings Alfred (Alma), Leonard (Hilda), Edgar (late Rose), Herman (late Hattie), Elmer (Phyllis) & twins Doris (late Gerald Richardson) and Helen (late Clarence Tunn). She will be dearly missed by her family and many nieces and nephews. Resting at the Malcolm, Deavitt & Binhammer Funeral Home, 141 Renfrew St., Pembroke on Sunday from 2 to 4:00 and 7 to 9:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in St. John's Lutheran Church, 605 Black Bay Rd., Petawawa on Monday, March 17, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Spring Interment in the Parish Cemetery. (As an expression of sympathy, donations to St. John's Lutheran Church, Petawawa would be appreciated.) Death is not the end, but the beginning of life eternal.