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BONNIE HEATHER SHAKESPEARE
Born: Jul 15, 1950
Date of Passing: May 31, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryBONNIE HEATHER SHAKESPEARE
It is with great sadness that we share news that Bonnie Heather Shakespeare peacefully left this world on May 31, 2023, with her family by her side, after a valiant battle with cancer. Throughout her journey, she displayed remarkable courage and resilience, facing surgeries and treatments always with a sense of hope and optimism.
Bonnie, born on July 15, 1950, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, was the beloved daughter of David and Mary Scobie. She grew up alongside her sister, Wendy, and her brother, Davie, both of whom were also tragically taken by cancer, leaving a profound impact on Bonnie's life. Growing up in Winnipeg, Bonnie graduated from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute before attending the University of Winnipeg and going on to spend more than 25 years working at the Royal Bank.
On April 25, 1970, Bonnie embarked on a lifelong adventure, marrying her beloved husband, David Shakespeare. Having initially met as teenagers, they celebrated their golden anniversary in 2020, marking 50 years of love, laughter, and unwavering loyalty. Bonnie and David were a remarkable team, facing all of life's joys and challenges side by side. Their journey together saw them move across Canada, with Bonnie always quickly creating a home for their growing family, before she and David settled into their final home in Tsawwassen, British Columbia. Bonnie built enduring friendships in every place they landed over the years.
Bonnie was blessed with two children, Justin and Shannon, who were the center of her world. Her son, Justin, is married to Sarah Hall Shakespeare, and together they have created a beautiful family in California. Bonnie adored her three grandchildren, Colin, Griffin, and Libby, who brought immeasurable joy to her life. She treasured every moment spent with them. Her daughter, Shannon, and partner Jill Zitnik and son Ethan, live in nearby Seattle, allowing for frequent cross-border visits and the sharing of many wonderful occasions, which Bonnie cherished deeply.
An adventurous spirit, Bonnie embraced cottage life at the lake in the Whiteshell Provincial Park in the summers, as well as the opportunity to travel with David, creating special memories all over the world. They frequently journeyed to visit their children, strengthening the bonds of family across the distances. Bonnie's heart held a special place for the United Kingdom, making numerous trips to London and taking day trips to Beeding, her ancestral home on the southern coast of England. Most recently, Bonnie had taken to the role of local tour guide, showing family and friends the beaches, parks and towns in and around Tsawwassen.
Above all else, Bonnie had immense pride in her family; being a wife, mother, and grandmother brought her unparalleled gratitude and happiness. Her infectious smile and laughter was a source of comfort to all who knew her. A "prolific emailer," and ever thoughtful with postcards and notes, Bonnie always made it known to those close to her that she was thinking about them. Her genuine interest in others left an indelible mark on the hearts of those she encountered; she made even the smallest moments feel special. In her passing, we find a measure of comfort knowing that Bonnie will be reunited with family and friends who passed on before her.
In keeping with Bonnie's wishes, a private graveside service will be planned for family and friends. If desired, donations may be made in Bonnie's memory to the BC Cancer Foundation.
https://bccancerfoundation.com/
donations/in-memory/
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 10, 2023
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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Our sincere condolences to David and family May your wonderful memories of Bonnie strengthen you at this time Kevin + Cindie Scobie White Rock - Posted by: Kevin and Cindie Scobie (Cousin) on: Aug 08, 2023
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So sorry for your loss. My condolences to Dave, Justin, Shannon and their families. - Posted by: Gloria Mattson (TNT Swim Club friend (Thompson, Mb)) on: Jun 24, 2023
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It is with a heavy heart I read this. Bonnie was like a big Sister to me and it was great growing up with her help in Winnipeg. So many great memories of her and the whole family especially my time spent with Davie. So glad I had the opportunity to be around them all. - Posted by: David L Robertson (Good Friend) on: Jun 22, 2023
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We are so very sorry and heartbroken to hear of Bonnie’s passing. Remembering all our cocktail hours and cruise evenings at the lake will stay with us forever. There was also our retirement dinners that were so much fun and that last cruise night on your 50th Anniversary, during the hight of COVID, that will keep a special place in our hearts. Peter and I feel very fortunate to have had the pleasure to get to know both of you. Big hugs to you Dave. - Posted by: Peter and Brenda Pingatore (Lake friends ) on: Jun 19, 2023
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We are deeply saddened by Bonnie’s passing. She was the most positive person we ever knew. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary with cards and emails. Our history with the Shakespeare’s started with our children’s competitive swimming both in Canada and the USA. We worked too many swim meets to mention plus fund raising for swimming. Not only were these social events but strong bonds developed with swim parents like the Shakespeare’s. This will never be forgotten as both Bonnie and David were always the first to volunteer their services. Our kids will also cherish time with Bonnie. She always treated our kids like her own. On occasions we spent weekends at the Shakespeare cottage in the Whiteshell. Together they built a beautiful place on the lake they were very and rightly so proud of. When Bonnie and Dave moved to B.C. we really missed their friendly faces. I also (Russ) miss the wonderful deserts that Bonnie prepared every time we visited. Bonnie will always have a place in our hearts. All the best to you Dave during these difficult times. You are always in our thoughts. Your friends Marlene and Russ. - Posted by: Russ and Marlene Muth (Friends) on: Jun 16, 2023
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Bonnie and David became good friends when we moved in next door to them in Port Hope. Shortly after we moved in we invited David and Bonnie over for a "getting to know you" wine and cheese visit in our back yard. Bonnie made a memorable first impression when the first thing she did was spill her full glass of wine! She was mortified of course, but all was soon forgotten as a great friendship began that day in laughter and Bonnie's embarrassment! Her kindness and truly generous spirit led to many dinners and a growing friendship between our two families. David and I also got along well as we sipped many a glass of scotch and told tales of our pasts. Triene and Bonnie became close friends and remained in touch after we moved back to Toronto to be near our daughter and grandchildren and Bonnie and David moved back to Winnipeg and on to B.C. to be near family in Seattle and California. Bonnie and Triene became even closer as Bonnie and our daughter endured struggles with cancer. We are deeply saddened by Bonnie's passing and will cherish her memory. We send our deepest condolences to David and her family. Sincerely, Peter and Triene Lower. - Posted by: Peter and Triene Lower (Friends) on: Jun 13, 2023
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David and family we are so sorry for your loss. I met Bonnie when we first moved into a condo complex in Winnipeg. We quickly became friends. Bonnie had a way of making you feel special, and always had a welcoming smile. I will miss her hugs, our chats, and her friendship. David we will keep you in our hearts during this difficult time. - Posted by: Noella (Friends from Winnipeg ) on: Jun 12, 2023
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My condolences to Bonnie’s family. I met Bonnie at Vista Park Lodge. She was caring for her mother. We became friends caring for our mothers. She was a lovely person and very caring. - Posted by: Gaetanne Patry (Friend) on: Jun 10, 2023
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David, my condolences to you and your family. I was so sorry to hear of your loss. - Posted by: Marilyn Hiebert (Childhood friend ) on: Jun 10, 2023
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David, we’re all so very devastated to be reading this, our hearts all go out to you and the rest of your family. Bonnie was an incredible lady and we all have missed seen her smiling face and the conversations we had every time we walk past Lot 2. We wish you strength during all the difficult days that lie ahead. Our sincerest condolences. The Sutherland’s - Posted by: The Sutherland’s (Friends from the lake ) on: Jun 10, 2023