October 1, 1927 - February 2, 2023
In loving memory ~
Gwendolyn Mary Bonderud passed away at Haven Hill Care Centre in Penticton, B.C. on February 2nd, 2023 at the age of 95. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Mary was born on October 1st, 1927 in Burnaby, B.C. From there the family moved to Grand Forks, B.C. where they lived there for a number of years, then moved to Nelson, B.C.
Mary worked at the local W.W. Powell Company where they manufactured match blocks. There was also a local nursery in the area where Bill worked, he rode his bike past the match block company every day, with eyes on Mary.
They married in July 1949, and moved out to property on Barnes Road in Six Mile, in 1951 Bill started to build their house, and they moved into the house, with no heat and just an outhouse!! House was finished just before Ken arrived in 1953. Mary worked as a cook for Willowhaven Private Hospital for 30+ years. She was given the title of the "Happy Cooker".
Mom loved her vegetable garden and her flowers- poppies, tulips, roses lily's and....... After Dad and Ken passed away in 2018 she stayed in the house until 2021, it became too hard for Mom to manage on her own. So after 70 years of living in Six Mile, it was very hard for Mom to leave the neighbourhood and the "Six Mile gang", past and present Mom became quite ill, she required full-time care, in a long-term care home. First in New Denver Care Home, then transferred to Penticton, in July 2022. That was nice to have her here. Her only complaint was the cooks could never make good-tasting soup and no Grilled Cheese!!!
She is survived by her daughter Carol (Kelly), three grandchildren, Paul (Lisa), Mark (Lisa) and Michael, and three great-grandchildren, Bryant, Ben and Mckayla and many nieces and nephews... The family wishes to thank the staff of Haven Hill for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate if you make donations to the Canadian Cancer Society.