Bonita (Bonnie) Joyce Howard, wife of John Howard passed away peacefully on January 11, 2021 at the Chaleur Regional Hospital in Bathurst with her husband John by her side.
Born in Bathurst, she was the daughter of the late Frederick and Ida (Buchanan) Comeau.
She is survived by her brother Frederick (Sue Hodgson) from Port Alberni, BC and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Donna (Irv MacDonald).
Bonnie grew up in a very loving home. She graduated from Bathurst High School and the NB Teachers College. She taught at the Amherst School for the Deaf and worked as a care provider and facilitator at the Bonny Lea Farm during the 70’s.
Bonnie and John spent many years travelling throughout Canada and the US because of his line of work. They maintained a bond with the family of friends they developed over all his working years. They always came back to their main homestead between jobs to reacquaint and create a network of friends in the Bathurst and surrounding communities.
Bonnie was a collector of artifacts with a real passion for antiques and a keen interest in genealogy. She loved to attend the IODE craft shows, the seasonal church suppers & teas, auctions, yard sales, as well as community theatre & art events. The illnesses she struggled with for most of her adult life did not deter her focus to enjoy life as much as her strength would permit. In her last year she was so grateful to be reacquainted with Michelle Branch who gave her the direct loving attentive care she required in addition to that from staff at the Southern Comfort Villa. Bonnie lived very comfortably in her environment, especially with the devotion from her husband John to ensure she receive the best possible medical attention and support she could get. She was always so grateful to the staff at the Chaleur Regional Hospital in Bathurst, the George Dumont Hospital in Moncton and the many doctors and specialist who attended to her care over the years. She held dear all the words of encouragement, cards, gifts, warm messages and photos received from all her family and friends. She genuinely wanted to know about their well-being as well.
Bonnie was a kind and gentle person and will be sadly missed by her husband, family and many friends. She leaves us with a lot of wonderful memories and precious life lessons about acceptance, being more giving, and more kind.
Due to covid-19 restrictions, a funeral from the Frist United Church, St. Patrick St. will be held at a later date.
Donations in Bonnie’s memory may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton’s Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst.
