Bonnie Jane McRae
Sister, aunt, grand aunt, great grand aunt, cousin, godmother, appointed Nomi, friend and educator, Bonnie McRae died peacefully with family and friends by her side at the Portage District General Hospital on Friday, October 21, 2022 at the age of 70 years,
She is survived by loving family, brother Don (Terri), nieces Lauren, Lisa and families (England), nephew Brent; brother Jack (Karen), nephew Kevin (Michelle), grand niece Taylor (Brad), grand nephew Payton (Chaley), nephew Drew (Brenda), niece Kim; total of 14 grand nieces and nephews; 8 great grand nieces and nephews; cousins; godchildren; Nomi's girl and friends. Bonnie was predeceased by her wonderful parents, Alex and Clara; grandparents, Dan, Mildred, Bill, John and Margaret; sister-in-law, Donna; nieces, Lynn and 2 in infancy; grand nephew Aaron; aunts and uncles and precious friends. Quite a reunion happening!
She was born on February 3, 1952, in Hamiota, Manitoba. She was not sure who the doctor was, but while her mother was in labour on February 2nd, she begged this person to not let Bonnie see her shadow for fear she would go back for another 6 weeks! At that time the family lived in the bustling community of Harding, MB. Later that year, moved to Minnedosa, MB for 6 years and then settled in Portage la Prairie, MB.
Bonnie began her education at Fort La Reine School. Many years later, having graduated from Brandon University with a Bachelor of Teaching degree, she began her teaching career at the same school. Her education continued at Prince Charles School and she graduated from Portage Collegiate Institute. She retired from her career, after 42 years, having her last assignment at Portage Collegiate Institute which in 2006 became a campus, housing Prince Charles School as well. Talk about things coming full circle. She enjoyed assignments at Crescentview School and the Hutterian Schools as well. Bonnie loved teaching and learning and continued to work in the Portage la Prairie School Division as a guest teacher and hearing and vision screening person for a number of years after retirement.
Participating in the life of her community was an attribute Bonnie learned from her parents. She belonged to organizations and clubs and served on their executives, volunteered on Boards in many capacities and helped at many community events. She gained confidence, knowledge, friends, memorable experiences, and a broader understanding of community from each experience. Bonnie always opened her heart and would take people under her wing, doing whatever she could to better their lives.
Bonnie was a 40 year member of Royal Purple of Canada, a charter member of Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority (Delta Chapter), member of Portage Curling Club for many years and was awarded the Jean Jackson Memorial Award for outstanding service to the club, she received an Innovative Teacher Award, and was a member of McKenzie United Church since 1968 and has served on the board in many capacities.
Over the years, she tried she hand at many things like curling, field hockey, baseball, volleyball, crocheting, baking, singing, crafting, dancing, bowling, target shooting, Tai Chi, seasonal house decorating, clown, elephant and angel collections, gardening and painting.
Having no children of her own, Bonnie parented vicariously through family members and dear friends, loving and caring for their children and grandchildren. She raised and loved deeply, four fabulous, furry, four-legged, faithful canine companions: Sarge, who was the blonde, long-haired runt of a Heinz 57 litter, Duncan, a Chocolate Labrador, who had many 'adventures' (she could have written a best seller!) and whom she shared for time with her nephew, Kevin, as he trained Dunc as a field trial dog, Brie, who was a rescued, gentle, loving Chocolate Labrador and Megg, a clever, loyal, beautiful Border Collie cross whom she adopted.
She had a great life, no regrets. Bonnie has faith and believes that in death she will have found eternal life. Peace be with each of you.
Visitation and viewing will take place Friday, October 28, 2022 between 4pm - 5pm at McKenzie Portage Funeral Chapel. The celebration of Bonnie’s life will be held at McKenzie United Church on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 1pm, led by Wilma Shirriff with interment at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.
Bonnie’s family and friends wish to extend a huge THANK YOU to so many people for their love, support and caring; for food deliveries, rides to appointments, visits, cleaning, doing laundry, exercising Megg, treats, flowers, texts and calls. Thank you to the cancer teams in Portage and Winnipeg for ears that hear, hearts that care and hands that do everything to make living with cancer easier.
If it is your wish, donations in Bonnie’s memory can be made to McKenzie United Church Memorial Fund, 85 - 11 St NW, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 2S2 or PAWS (Portage Animal Welfare Society) 121 - 12 St NE, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 4A2 or a charity of your choice.
A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com