Florence Madeline (Bonnie) Colburn passed away peacefully on 28 January at Arbour Heights in Kingston Ontario. Bonnie was born in Saint John, New Brunswick on 5 August 1928, as a middle child in Willard and Sarah Fillmore’s family of ten children. It was there she met and married Bruce, her husband of almost 65 years. In 1951 they set out raising a family, first in British Columbia, then Ottawa, Montreal, and Saint John. Two children Deborah (deceased) and David were born in B.C.; her other four children — Robert, Ann, Barbara, and James — were born in Ottawa. Bonnie & Bruce also made a home at various times in Nae-ri South Korea, Almonte, Napanee, Halifax NS, and Kingston Ontario.
Bonnie had local renown for her skills as a seamstress and baker wherever she lived. When the Barbie doll craze was at its 1960s height, she supplied the neighbourhood with handmade Barbie, Ken, and Scooter outfits. You were certain of a good meal followed by fresh dessert at her table. In the late 80s, as an example, James & David stopped by after a long weekend climbing and camping to find three fresh pies waiting for them on the kitchen counter (well, David and James were certain they were meant for them). Generosity with the labour of her hands was a life-long trait of Bonnie’s.
Her passing leaves a gap in all our lives, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in whom she took great delight and joy.
She will be remembered by her son David and Rose Cullis; Robert and Brenda (McCorkindale) their children Lisa Morrison (Steve), Sandra Chan (Beman) and their daughters Ava, Isla, and Asia; Ann Colburn and Peter Warren and their son Allister; Barbara Royer (nee Colburn) and Clem and their children Matthieu, Patrick, and Danielle; James and Heidi (Vallance) and their sons Cameron and Nathan.
Bonnie has asked for her ashes to be placed beside her parents’ graves in Saint John. A family memorial will be held there at a later date — once it is safe for people to gather again.
Her final years were marred by the long-term effects of diabetes and the terror of Alzheimer’s. Instead of flowers please consider a donation to either the Alzheimer’s Society or Diabetes Society of Canada.
Arrangements in the care of Wartman Funeral Home – Napanee Chapel. On-line condolences and donations at www.wartmanfuneralhomes.com.
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Thursday January 28th 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Bonnie Colburn Thursday January 28th 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Napanee, Province: Ontario