IRENE BONNAR

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IRENE BONNAR (nee EXNER) February 8, 1927 - August 8, 2016 She will be lovingly remembered by daughter Leslie Holden (Kent) and their children Kerry Holden-Steffano (Keith), Candice Appler (Jeff) and great-grandson Benjamin, twins Kyle Holden (Megan) and Matthew Holden (Emily); Son Daniel Bonnar (Michele), his children Curtis and great-grandchildren Hannah and Grayson, Timothy Bonnar (Tina) and great-granddaughter Makayla, Krysti Bonnar, and Arron Bonnar; Daughter Pamela Rudy (Larry) and her children Bradley Allan (Charity) and great-grandchildren Zachary, twins Amy and Hailey and Zoey, Eric Allan and great-granddaughter Harmony; her niece and many nephews. From humble beginnings, Mom was the youngest of seven children. Mom's own mother died when she was only four years of age. Her four older sisters took it upon themselves to raise and care for Mom. We imagine it was from their incredibly close bond that Mom developed her own resolve and fierce sense of family. At the age of 31, Mom found herself raising three very young children on her own. We became her passion and her life. No sacrifice was too great when it came to the three of us. Our home was always open to our friends and we have many happy memories of hanging out in our basement where Mom had hung curtains to give us a space - walls were expensive! Mom worked all her life sewing coats for Sterling Stall until she retired in 1987. Mom specifically sewed collars and pockets working "piece work" in order to make the maximum wage at the time. In all those years Mom missed very few days of work because if she didn't work she didn't get paid and money was always tight. Even though Mom didn't have a lot of free time for herself she made sure we knew she was there for us - no matter what. As the years passed and each of us grew into adults, Mom now had time to enjoy her grandchildren, whom she absolutely adored. Mom could now focus her attention on babysitting at Leslie and Kent's home not only for their four children but on occasion Dan's three youngest as well. She spent her days at their home helping out wherever she could and continued to do so until the boys were in their 20s. No lack of devotion there! Mom also helped to care for her aging sisters, Mary, Ella and Tillie. She even made occasional trips to Toronto to help with her sister Alma. But as amazing as Mom was she did have a "stubborn" side and God help you if her wrathful eye ever turned on you. We know that each of us felt it at one time or another. Mom loved knitting, singing, her Harlequin romances and dancing, but nothing could compare to the love she had for her great-grandchildren. Mom always said she did not want to be a burden on her children - she certainly was not but as the dementia progressed Mom could be a challenge. And for that we will miss her even more! How Mom lived her life has passed on through the generations to her grandchildren. We are grateful to those who went above and beyond to make Mom's days more comfortable at the end. Mom had a close relationship with God and we know she is safely with Him and her beloved family now. Our family wishes to especially thank Karen Romanoff who spent many Saturdays taking Mom out shopping and visiting with her. You were her very special friend and she loved the time you shared. We would also like to acknowledge the Seven Oaks Day Program, The Prime Program, The Rosewood and especially the staff at St. Joseph's for their loving care and support of Mom. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 15 at 11:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 560 Arlington Street. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mom's memory to the Lutheran Church of the Cross. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 13, 2016