MacCoubrey Funeral Home Reception Centre
30 King Street East, Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
Bonnie Marlene Walker (nee Noble) passed away peacefully at Ed’s House Hospice in Cobourg, ON. Bonnie is survived by her husband Barry Walker of almost 47 years, and many family members.
Bonnie was an only child, born September 10th, 1944 in Windsor, Ontario to Glen & Luella Noble. The family moved to Toronto when she was in grade 8.
She enjoyed playing sports. In 1971 she took up tennis with a passion, winning the “Most Improved Player” award at the Davisville Tennis Club. It was there she met her future husband, Barry Walker. Apart from Barry, tennis was always her favourite sport.
She married Barry in 1978 and soon after bought a house in North Toronto. They spent 15 years there before moving to Port Hope in 1995.
In her varied work life while living in Toronto she was, among other things, Credit Manager for Hercules Canada, Volunteer Co-Ordinator with the Toronto Humane Society, and a founding director of Animal Alliance of Canada.
They bought an old house in Port Hope and spent 3 years restoring it, applying hundreds of hours of sweat equity. While still playing tennis regularly, she took up three new activities, hiking, curling and gardening. She became an avid gardener, with her superior efforts having her yard featured in the annual Garden Tour.
Hiking led to her and Barry taking many trips abroad, such as New Zealand, Austria and Thailand, among others. One of their most memorable trips was an RV excursion to Alaska in an extended van with 2 dogs. Living her life to the fullest, she spent much time volunteering at the Capitol Theatre, ACO Port Hope, and with Hospice by leading many fundraising activities.
Bonnie was loved by everyone who was fortunate enough to know her. She was openly friendly, helpful, engaging and simply loved people. She was always positive and never had a bad word to say about anyone. Her love extended to animals, especially the nine Keeshond dogs which filled her life with joy.
In her own words: “Barry & I liked to entertain & thoroughly enjoyed our time in Port Hope where we were happy and had full and busy lives. My extended family & friends were important to me. I loved Barry, our dogs & my life.”
In lieu of flowers, donations to Northumberland Hill Hospital Foundation, Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre or charity of your choice would be appreciated.
A Celebration of Bonnie’s life will be held at the MacCoubrey Funeral Home, 30 King St., E., Cobourg on Saturday November 15th from 1-4 pm, with words of remembrance at 2:30 pm.
Dear Barry, my parents sure had some great times with you and Bonnie over the years. Sending lots of positive thoughts and prayers your way. Mary and Gord Sleeman and Bruce and Christine Pogue
We are saddened to hear this news about Bonnie. Our sincere condolences to Barry and family at this difficult time. Chris and Brenda Worsnop.
Barry we were so very sorry to hear of Bonnie's passing. We have known you both for many years and have spent so many very happy times together. We hiked New Zealand and Italy together as well as a wonderful trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. We have great memories of many visits to the cottage especially at New Year. We will treasure these memories. Bonnie was a wonderful person. Full of energy which she used to benefit many. We will miss her greatly. Our deepest condolences to you on your loss of Bonnie, a loving wife and best friend.
Barry, I am so very sorry to hear about Bonnie's passing. Bonnie was a wonderful person who made such a profound and positive contribution to the communities she lived in, whether in Toronto or Port Hope/Northumberland County. My condolences to you on the loss of Bonnie.
I first met Bonnie in the 90’s when she was advocating for a local hospice service, which we are now so blessed to have. I then met her in the Pine Ridge Hiking Club. Bonnie exemplified love of community, doing the right thing, bring kind and smiling while doing it all! A woman of dignity and passion. She will be missed. Jan Ethier
I admire the life and passions that Bonnie held close to her heart. Barry, you did well by her and her by you. She let you spent countless hours fiddling with a passion project that is CFWN-FM May her memory be a blessing.
My mother, Liz Knight was in Bonnie and Barry’s warm circle of friendship and energy that they brought to Port Hope when moving there. Kindness personified. Dave and I send our condolences, Barry. Bonnie was truly a lovely person❣️ Mary Elizabeth Clark
My deepest sympathies Barry on this profound loss for you and the community of a beautiful woman whose aura shone bright, spotlighted by her warm smile and friendly nature. 47 years is a long time during which you have shared so many adventures, experiences, challenges, joys, laughter and sadness, not the least of which I'm sure were her years of battling cancer. She was a brave woman and I am sure was able to fight the way she did because of your deep love and support for her.... "In sickness and health" - you certainly "walked the talk". May knowing this help to carry you through your immediate grief. I hope that with time you can start to reflect on many fond memories of all you shared and that those memories bring you some comfort. May she rest in peace.
Barry, so sorry to learn of Bonnie's passing. Yvonne and I send our deepest sympathy's at this difficult time.
Our sympathy, Barry. We met yourself and Bonnie through tennis and curling . Bonnie was always a spirited player and a good team mate. May she rest in peace. Will and Nancy Davidson
Barry, my deepest condolences on your loss. Bonnie was such a kind and loving friend. We will all miss her very much.
Barry, so sad to learn of Bonnie's passing. I found out a lot about Bonnie's work, life and passions from her obituary. I've known both of you through curling for numerous years and remember visiting both of you and your 2 dogs shortly after the renovations. Thinking fondly of both of you at this time. Ian Young.
Barry, so sorry to hear about Bonnie. I met both of you through Curling and she will surely be missed. She was a bright but powerful light. Roger
Dear Barry, My sincerest condolences. Beth
Dear Barry. I am so sad to hear of Bonnie’s passing. Her zest for life, dogs, sports, gardening, community was always so evident when spending time with her. Such an amazing person. She will be missed. Greta Holmes
Dear Barry, we are both saddened to hear of Bonnie’s passing. I’ve known Bonnie for many years through Sorority and wish it could be longer - she deserved more. She was such a delight. Rest in peace Bonnie.
Dear Barry, I was deeply saddened to hear of Bonnie’s passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your profound loss. Forty-seven years together is a true testament to love and devotion. May the many memories you shared bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Dear Barry...... I always loved visiting you and Bonnie at your cottage with Dave and other friends... and going on the occasional golf game with Bonnie.... It was always great to have such caring friends.... Anne Bovingdon
I’m so saddened to hear of Bonnie’s passing. Bonnie was a kind and empathetic person who cared for her community as well as for the rights and care of animals. It was because of Bonnie that I decided to become a vegetarian as a teen! I’ll always remember our chats and her big smile.
Dear Barrie, I am so sorry to learn of Bonnie’s passing. I always enjoyed my visits, both in and out of the office, with such a vivacious and enthusiastic woman. My sincere condolences. Anne Tesluk
Aunt Bonnie, always the brightest light in the room, with the most genuine smile, loving curiosity, and zest for life. You will forever be in my heart.
Dear Bonnie It was such a pleasure to know you and be in your presence. You brought a special kind of light to the world. May you rest in peace.
I’m so deeply sorry to read of Bonnie’s passing. I enjoyed our conversations as I cut her hair . Bonnie will be deeply missed as a friend and client. Sending hugs to all who loved Bonnie .