Catherine BENTZEN-BILKVIST
BENTZEN-BILKVIST, Catherine Passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, June 18, 2017 at the age of 82. Loving wife of Eric Bentzen-Bilkvist for 58 years. Wonderful mother to son Eric and daughter Susan. Proud grandmother (FarMor and MorMor) to five grandchildren, Kirsten (Dane), Dana, Eric, Amy and Colin. Much loved mother-in-law of Claire and Scott Kress. Catherine was born in New York City and came to Canada after meeting (in Paris) and marrying the love of her life – Eric Bentzen-Bilkvist. They settled down in Dundas and raised their two children. Catherine worked full time and went back to school part time to earn both her BA and her MA. She was well known by many as she worked for over 20 years as the McMaster Student Advisor in the Faculty of Business and in that role, had contact with thousands of students. When she retired she pursued her passion for travel. She and Eric traveled the world often in the company of Jack and the late Cathy Hanna. They walked on the Great Wall of China, went alligator spotting at night on the Amazon, did a safari in the Serengeti, and took numerous wine trips/cruises in France and Spain, to name just a few of their many adventures. Over the years great times were had by friends and family at their ski chalet in Ellicottville New York. There was great skiing, great eating and lots of fun games played and jigsaw puzzles completed over the years. Catherine was always an avid reader and loved doing her crossword puzzles. Her vast knowledge of history and movies made her the top choice when teams were chosen for Trivial Pursuit. She will be missed by her wonderful friends – Tony and Joan Kaufman and Sandy and the late Don Lake, who Eric and Catherine have known and been close friends with for over 58 years. Catherine will also be missed by her long time friends from McMaster University, Hillside Ave. and Ennisclare on the Lake where Eric and Catherine have lived for the past 25 years enjoying many good times and parties. Also very dear to Catherine were her family from New York – Sister Alice Smith, brothers Johnny and Patrick Smith. She will also be missed by her family on Eric’s side – Bjorn and Wanda Pheiffer and Ib and Kirsten Bentzen-Bilkvist who she was very close with and loved dearly. Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, June 29th at 10:30 a.m. at St Dominic Parish in Oakville at 2415 Rebecca Street. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial award at McMaster University in Catherine’s name and would be most grateful if you would consider donating to that award. You can donate by going to www.givetomcmaster.ca and then type in “The Catherine Bentzen-Bilkvist Memorial Award” “Rest in peace, you will be missed.”