Obituary for
Bonnie Ruth Waddell
Waddell, Bonnie Ruth – April 6, 1945 – October 21, 2021, Upper Onslow, NS
Bonnie has strummed the last song on her ukulele and read the last page in her book.
Born in Rhode Island, Bonnie was a daughter of the late Dr. William and Barbara (Christie) Waddell. She grew up in Boston and Denver. She graduated from Colorado State University and then took a job in a library because she wouldn’t have to pay late fees as a staff member. Moving to Nova Scotia where she had family roots, she obtained her Masters in Library Science from Dalhousie University. Upon graduation, she worked at South Shore Regional Library, Colchester East Hants Public Library and finally, as chief librarian at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College. While there, she was involved in library projects in Africa and South America. She was the Canadian representative on an international library board in Washington, DC.
Bonnie always put her heart and soul into any project with which she was involved. She believed in giving back to her community. She was passionate about the arts and was a founding member of the Cobequid Arts Council. Her interests were varied, from helping get a tennis court constructed in Bridgewater to starting a film society. She enjoyed hiking and took an active role in the Cobequid Eco-Trails Society. Involvement in the Colchester Historical Society was another interest Bonnie enjoyed, with the Planters re-enactment being a notable part of her museum contribution.
Upon retirement, Bonnie began playing the ukulele. She took to it with a passion, eventually becoming an instructor. Gardening also took up her time, with extensive plantings developed around the historical stone home which she and Kim carefully restored. She and Kim loved their time working on the property. Although their home was their passion, they also enjoyed trips together throughout North America and getaways in Nova Scotia.
Bonnie is survived by her loving husband, Kim McCallum; twin sister, Susan (Phil) Watson, Tucson, Arizona; sisters, Nancy (Jeffery) Goodman, Mobile, Alabama and Sara (Frank) Waddell, Chalfont, California; sisters-in-law, Colleen Poulain, Stellarton, Shelley McCallum, Central Onslow, Andrea (Rick) Osmond, Lower Sackville; brothers-in-law, Terry (Joan) McCallum , Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Robin (Jane) McCallum, Barrie, Ontario and seventeen beloved nieces and nephews.
Bonnie’s family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff of Cedarstone who surrounded Bonnie with exceptional care and love during her time with them.
Family flowers only. If so desired, donations in Bonnie’s memory may be made to the Herb MacRae Library Trust Fund.
Cremation has taken place. A Visitation will be held on Monday, October 25th from 6-8pm with a Memorial service taking place on Tuesday, October 26th at 2pm both in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro, NS. The Rev. Lori Ramsey officiating. COVID-19 restrictions in place. Proof of full vaccination with photo ID required. Webcasting of the service will begin at 1:58pm (Atlantic Time) and is available along with condolences by visiting www.ColchesterCommunity.com
1945 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Bonnie Ruth
Waddell 1945 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia