By Freya Noble for Daily Mail Australia An elderly woman suffering from dementia made the heartbreaking decision to take her own life before the crippling disease did. Gillian Bennett, born in Christchurch, New Zealand, but who lived in Bowen Island, in British Columbia in Canada with her husband Jonathan Bennett, penned a heartbreaking letter explaining her decision before her death last week. 'I will take my life today around noon. It is time. Dementia is taking its toll and I have nearly lost myself. I have nearly lost me. Jonathan, the straightest and brightest of men, will be at my side as a loving witness,' the letter began.
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Gillian Bennett penned the touching letter before she took her own life last week
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The 85-year-old was suffering from dementia and made the decision to die with dignity
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With her husband by her side she slipped away at her home in Bowen Island, Canada
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Originally from New Zealand, Mrs Bennett made a passionate case for one's right to choose
He also revealed the difficulty he faced in not being able to assist her, as it is illegal to do so in @placeholder and many other parts of the world.