Obituary of Bonita Lorraine Barber (Rowe)
It is with much sadness, yet many fond memories, that we share the loss of a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. Born on July 13, 1944, Bonnie Rowe Barber passed away peacefully at home in Ottawa of Ovarian cancer on Monday, April 19th, 2021. Bonnie had a rich and fulfilling life. Raised by her parents, Raymond Rowe and Hazel Rowe (now deceased), in Frankford, Ontario, she was the eldest of three sisters. Through the years Bonnie kept in touch with, and cherished, her many lifelong friendships, from Frankford and Belleville childhood days, university and teaching. During her long career as a teacher in Belleville, Bonnie took great satisfaction in contributing to the growth and future success of her students. Bonnie loved being on the water and ever so enjoyed singing in the vocal trio, We 3, with Ann Colborne and Heather Ferguson, graciously accompanied by Father John Uttley. She often expressed a deep sense of gratitude for her vocal teacher of many years, Hazel Ann Reid, (United States). When Bonnie and her husband, Al, moved from Belleville to Ottawa four years ago, she was sorry to leave her friends behind but was able to enjoy the many pleasures of her new home and city. Bonnie will be greatly missed by her loving husband, best friend, and caregiver, Al Barber. Also left to mourn her loss are her cherished son, Ehren Steele, Niagara Falls, her two sisters, Raelene Christie of Parksville, B.C. (and Richard,) and Merebeth Rowe of Bowmanville, Ont. (and Charles Sutherland). Bonnie will also be missed by her nephew, Nicholas Beck (and Corissa) and her great niece, Addison, and nieces Sarah Ternan and Susan Ternan. Al’s children will also miss their step-mother: Bill (and Sharon and their daughters, Gillian, Olivia, and Abby), David (and Karen and their children, Claire, Simon, and Henry), Sally (and John and their daughters, Talia and Zoe), and James. Bonnie will also be fondly remembered by her sister-in-laws, and many caring cousins, and their families. Bonnie was a woman of great strength and grace who leaves a legacy of love and compassion to be taken up by those who mourn her loss. As per Bonnie’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be a family celebration of life. Due to Covid restrictions, this will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (thepmcf.ca) or The Ottawa Hospital Foundation for Cancer Research (ohfoundation.ca/cancer-research-the-ottawa-hospital).Arrangements entrusted to Steele Funeral Home, Moira Street Chapel, Belleville (613-968-2273, 1-877-256-3688). Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed on Bonnie’s obituary at www.steelefuneralhome.ca
1944 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Bonita
Lorraine
Bonnie
Barber Rowe 1944 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Belleville, Province: Ontario