Born May 13, 1939 - Died Nov 10, 2019
In her 81st year, she will be greatly missed by her husband Russell of 58 years, her sons Thomas Edward (Liisa) and Michael Richard and her grandchildren, Rachel, Kelly, Russell and Heather. She was a wonderful, loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother.
Bonnie attended St. Thomas Collegiate Institute where she was an honours student. She wanted to be a doctor, but her father did not believe in “hen medics”. Instead she went into nursing and graduated as a Registered Nurse from the Toronto General School of Nursing. Later she received a combined B.A. in Family Studies and Music at the University of Guelph, graduating with honours. Bonnie and our son Ted were the first mother and son to graduate at the same convocation.
She had an interesting career, one occupation leading into another. While at university and after graduation she was an after hours worker for the Children’s Aid Society. With this experience she became a member of the Ontario Board of Parole, where she made a good chairperson. The tribunal experience resulted in her being appointed to the Immigration and Refugee Board as a judge from which she retired in 2004. She had a reputation among her colleagues as “tough but fair”.
What kept her going was her love of music. She was a trained singer and sang over the years with the University of Guelph Choir, Guelph Chamber Choir and Royal City Musical Productions. She was a longtime member of the Church of the Apostles (St. James and St. Matthias) singing in the choir over thirty years. She was an avid traveler, combing her love of music on choir trips as well as cruising regularly to destinations around the world. She loved nature and animals and spent much time at her cottage in near Burk’s Falls. A regular patron of the Guelph Humane Society she will be missed by her rescue kitties, Ari and Letty.
Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 519-822-0051
Memorial Service to be held on Monday, November 18th, 2019 at 11 am. at the Church of the Apostles (St. James and St. Matthias), 86 Glasgow St. N., Guelph, Ontario N1H 4W2. Visitation for one hour preceding the service. Luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers please direct donations to the Church of the Apostles (St. James and St. Matthias), or the Guelph Humane Society.