ALMA BONNER

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ALMA BONNER Peacefully, with her children at her side, on Thursday, August 7, 2008, Mom left us to join Dad, the love of her life, to be together for eternity in the Kingdom of Heaven. Mom was predeceased by her husband Tony of 67 years, her parents, Ernst and Augusta Drewlo, brothers Bert, Art and Len, sisters Olga and Margaret, sisters-in-law Helen Drewlo and Molly Drewlo, Marge and Jackie Sawchuk and brothers-in-law Fred Jenkins, Tony Sokol, Bill Streich, Harry Garland, Judge Tom Thornton, and Peter Sawchuk. Left to mourn her passing and the huge void she leaves, are her children Lloyd (Judy), Susan, her precious grandson Paul, her sister Mae (Orest) Danyluk, brother Ham (Doreen) Drewlo, sisters-in-law Tillie Drewlo, Doris Drevlo, Rose Garland-Thornton, brothers-in-law Joe (Betty) Bonner, Ted Sawchuk and Stan (Fjola) Bonkowsky, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Born on June 9, 1918, Mom recently celebrated her 90th birthday with a family part at East-Gate Lodge where she has resided for almost a year. Mom was born, raised and spent her entire life in Beausejour, except for a period during the Second World War when she went with Dad to Kingston, Ontario and Ste. Jerome, Quebec while he did his stint in the Army. Mom met Tony Bonner, the love of her life, during the dirty 30's. They were married on June 26, 1940 embarking on an unparalleled partnership that lasted for 67 years. Returning to Beausejour after the war, they began to build a life for themselves. Lloyd arrived in 1952. In 1953, with the help of her brothers, they built the house on Oak Avenue. In 1956, Susan arrived and their family was complete. Mom was an incredible homemaker; her house was always so clean one could eat off the floors, and her cooking was matched by none. She also cultivated and maintained a large garden, preserving the fruits of that garden for us to enjoy year round. In the late 60's Tony was appointed Federal Returning Officer for Provencher, a position he held for approximately 15 years. During this time, whenever there was a federal election, in addition to being a homemaker, Mom would serve as Dad's Election Clerk, putting many hours over and above her already hectic schedule. Working side by side, in these high pressure situations forged an already strong bond into an unbreakable one. In 1983, Tony sold the business and for the next 22 years, Mom and Dad enjoyed a wonderful retirement together, travelling extensively to Europe and the United States. After that time declining health began to take its toll, but their bond remained unbroken. A special thank you to the excellent, caring staff at East-Gate Lodge, Beausejour and everyone else involved in making Mom's life a little more comfortable. If so desired, donations can be made to East-Gate Lodge Resident Council. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 13 at 2:00 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church, Gertrude Avenue and 1st Street N., Beausejour with Pastor Don Reimer officiating. Interment will follow at the Beausejour Town Cemetery. Viewing will be on Tuesday, August 12 at the Sobering Funeral Chapel, Beausejour from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. SOBERING FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM, Beausejour 268-3510 or MB toll free 1-877-776-2220

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 09, 2008