Bente Friis

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BENTE FRIIS (nee ERIKSEN) September 16, 1944 – July 10, 2022. Born in Nørresundby, Denmark. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at Humber River Hospital in Toronto after a long and courageous battle with bone cancer.

Bente was the daughter of Ester & Sven Eriksen and sister to Hanne Kruse (Vagn), and Ole Eriksen (Inge). She was a loving wife to Kurt Friis (predeceased) and mother to three wonderful sons: Peter (Stephanie), Martin (Kelly), and Thomas (Anna) who will all miss her terribly. A fabulous Farmor (Grandma) to Simon, Madelyn, Katherine, Shyla, and Sarah, all of whom she was immensely proud of.

Bente and Kurt immigrated to Canada in 1972 with Peter and Martin as toddlers. They worked very hard and created a beautiful life here for their growing family, welcoming Thomas a few years later. Life was busy with three boys but they enjoyed travelling on weekends and holidays to get to know their new country. They soon purchased a cottage on Blind Bay (near Killbear Provincial Park) which was a source of wonderful memories with family and friends for decades. Bente loved her time there and would count the days till the last day of school to move the family up north until Labour Day weekend.

She was incredibly talented as an artist and loved to design and create. She spent her early years in Denmark as a window designer for the shops. Once in Canada, she was always creating something in various mediums. Bente’s home on the shores of Lake Ontario, is filled with her beautiful pieces that will be cherished by her family and friends. She was also an avid patio gardener and spent many hours tending to her flowers and plants that flourished under her care.

After losing Kurt, over 20 years ago, Bente’s Danish “sisters” took her under their wing and she loved her time with the Danish Women’s Association of Toronto. They took many trips abroad and there was always a knitting, sewing, or book club to attend. To all the ladies, she loved you and she appreciated your friendship more than you will ever know.

Bente was an excellent cook and loved to try new recipes to share with her friends and family. When her sons married and had children of their own, Bente was eager to steep the next generation in Danish tradition. There wasn’t a family gathering that did not include at least one delectable treat created by her own hands. Her meals will be missed but we will endeavour to keep her Danish traditions alive for the holidays and will do our best not to burn the crackling and the sugar potatoes!

As per Bente’s wishes, she will be cremated, and will be interned at Sunset Villa’s Mindepark in a private family ceremony. A Celebration of Life event will be held this fall. In lieu of flowers, if you so wish, a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society in her name would be appreciated. Our sincere gratitude to the medical staff on the geriatric floor at Humber River Hospital for your kindness and support in her final days.
Bente was a beautiful soul, always loving and giving of her time. She was a fighter right until the very end and always did things her way with grace and strength. She will be deeply missed - ære være hendes minde.