Hermin Julliette Benko

Hermin Julliette Narancsik was born on April 15, 1940 in Budapest, Hungary to parents Louis and Barbara Narancsik.

In November of 1956 the Narancsik Family left Hungary to flee the war. They went to Bremmen, Germany and boarded the Arosa Star ship in March of 1957. Mom helped grandma and her brothers over the boarder during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution to come to Canada. They then landed in St. John, New Brunswick. They then boarded the night train that went to Winnipeg, Manitoba, then to Flin Flon, Manitoba. This is where she met her husband Steve Benko. She moved a year later to Norwich, Ontario with her family. Dad went to Norwich, Ontario a year later to ask mom to be his wife.

Steve and Hermin were married in 1959 in Welland, Ontario. Steve and Hermin had six children. Firstborn was Martin on April 3, 1960, then came Norm on October 13, 1962, in November 1963 she gave birth to twin girls Jean and Mary who unfortunately did not survive. John came along on December 31, 1964 and finally Brenna came along on January 20, 1976. With the girl mom had hoped for their family was completed.

Mom worked for the Northern Bus Lines, the Trout Lake Bus for at least 25 years. The workers catching the bus often called her “Ma”. She enjoyed her job and retired in 2006 due to an illness.

She kept herself busy as a member of the Catholic Woman’s League. She enjoyed crocheting, playing bingo, fishing and cooking. She loved cooking. She often cooked perogies and cabbage rolls for others. John is thankful she taught him how to make these things so he can continue to do so. Hermin enjoyed travelling to Europe, especially to Hungary to visit her homeland.

Hermin will be greatly missed by her children Martin (Maria), Norman, John and Brenna (Nathan), her brothers Norm (Helen), Bill (Judy), Julius (Janet), grandchildren Lucretia, Andrew, Michael, Christopher, Logan and Ashton.

Hermin is predeceased by her husband Steve Benko, two brothers in Hungary and her twin daughters Jean and Mary.

A Private Family Service was held for Hermin Benko on Saturday, March 5, 2022. The Service can be viewed on Grant Funeral Home & Crematorium facebook page.