The Passing of a Dear Friend and Fellow Stamper

This was written by Helen Howard owner of Crop Circles Scrapbooking Store in Peterborough, Ontario.  I had previously done a post about the loss of Bonnie, but Helen asked that I put this post on my blog as well.

 

Hello fellow stampers

 As many of you know already, we received the sad news that our Class Teacher extraordinaire lost her valiant battle to Cancer last Thursday.Many of us referred to Bonnie as the unsinkable Molly Brown who always had a story and something to share.She shared her passion for rubber stamping with all of us and was the envy of all for the mass amounts of stamps she owned.Not many were more knowledgeable than Bonnie.She inspired us all and demonstrated to many of us how to turn a rubber stamp into something truly awesome.I thank the stars the day I was taught by her as this put me on a path of no return,building a little store sharing the same passions she passed on to me through her teachings.

Not just an avid stamper she was truly an exceptional human being that always looked at the bright things in life and showed marvelous strength through her ordeal.None of us really understood how she kept her humour and never forgot a birthday or how to reach out to someone who needed it the most.

She was careful not to judge but to just accept people the way they were, each special in their own way.We shared many laughs and some serious moments.Ted grew to love her like a sister and always brightened up when he saw her.The two of them always trying to make the other laugh quite successfully.We called her wife number 3.We were truly blessed to have her in our lives and will always think of her with great admiration and love.

 Dianna,  Bonnie's great friend has asked that we post information here  to share with you as it becomes available."We ask that you let others know  about the memorial service the family is holding in Lakefield this Sunday coming up.

If you would like to make a card in remembrance of this vibrant women then please do.You can drop it off at the store or take it yourself on Sunday to her memorial.She loved penguins so I will be making a card that reminds me of her vibrant happy personality.I do encourage you to come out and celebrate her life Sunday February the 26th as mentioned below.

With love to all

Helen

You may also drop off any sympathy cards for Bonnie's family at the store if you wish.

Bonnie Riley

RILEY, Bonnie - Passed away peacefully at her home from cancer, with her family by her side on Thursday February 16, 2012. Bonnie Riley (nee Kirkham) of Lakefield in her 53rd year. Bonnie will be remembered by many for her involvement with rubber stamping and as a Past President of the Lakefield & District Lions & Lioness Club. Loved and missed by her husband Al and her children Amanda Dirycz (Bartek) of Toronto, Jay Riley of Richmond Hill and Jenny McLean (Ben) of Buckhorn. Also missed by her brother Glenn Kirkham (Karen) of Oshawa, sisters Bev Lawson of Wellington N.S., Patti Nason (Tim) of Brooklyn, her “second mother“ Fran Anderson and by her large circle of many dear friends. Survived by several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents John and Barbara. A Celebration of Bonnie's Life will be held at THE HENDREN FUNERAL HOMES, LAKEFIELD CHAPEL on Sunday February 26th, 2012 from 2-4 PM. Memorial donations may be made to the P.R.H.C. Palliative Care or the Canadian Cancer Society as expressions of sympathy. Friends may send condolences or make donations at www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705-652-3355. A very special thank you to Dr. Jennifer Gillis-Doyle, Dr. Lowe and all of the nurses and support staff who cared for Bonnie. 11066308