Obituary of Bonnie Jane Rees (nee Berger)

August 29, 1944 - Regina, Saskatchewan

February 25, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Bonita (Bonnie) Jane Rees (nee Berger) passed away peacefully with her children and grandchildren at her side, following a courageous battle from COPD on Friday, February 25, 2022 at the age of 77 years.

Bonnie is survived by her son Trent Rees (Sybil) of Calgary, AB, daughter Heather (Roger) Bourbeau of St. Albert, AB; and grandchildren, Jedda and Ayden Rees of Calgary, AB, and Jordan and Sydney Bourbeau of St. Albert, AB. Bonnie is also survived by her sister Pat (Jay) Garlough of Calgary, AB, brother Mike (Donna) Edmonton, AB, and her loving partner Bob Gleeson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Brent.

Bonnie was born on August 29, 1944 in Regina, SK to Michael and Elizabeth (Betty) Berger. Times were tough in those days, with her father finishing his degree in pharmacy, and her mother working in a drug store. Because of these struggles, they decided to have Bonnie live with Betty’s sister and her husband, Molly and Roy Lamont. They did not have children of their own, and were delighted to dote on this beautiful little girl. When Bonnie’s father came to pick up Bonnie a few years later, it was difficult for everyone. To this day, the Lamonts’ played a vital role in the lives of the Berger children. Bonnie’s brother Mike was born in 1948, followed by Pat in 1951. Pat was the seventh Birthday present she didn’t want.

Bonnie graduated from Jasper Place High School in Edmonton in 1962 and completed her education with a Secretarial Diploma from McTavish Business College. Her first job upon graduation was with CP Rail, then CN Rail, followed by becoming a legal secretary. The lawyer she worked for had his office on 97^th street, not far from the notorious Coffee Cup Inn. Being a direct descendent of the McIntosh Family, Bonnie went back east (Ontario) by train with her mother, and grandmother Jean Clark McIntosh to visit the homestead and relatives. She was the chauffeur and drove the ladies all through the area where the McIntosh apple was created generations before.

Bonnie met her husband Brent Rees at the wedding of his brother Bryan and her girlfriend Irene. Bonnie fell hard for this handsome man, and they married on April 15, 1967. They soon welcomed their son Trent, followed by their daughter Heather a few years later.

They loved to camp, and enjoyed family outings in Windermere, Miquelon, Penticton and surrounding areas. They rented cottages in Sylvan Lake, and also had fun with family at Ma-me-o Beach.

The family transferred to Calgary in 1979 and became extremely involved in their new city and new community of Cedarbrae. With Trent’s hockey and Heather’s figure skating, they volunteered countless hours in the rinks, and supported their children unconditionally.

Bonnie found a position with Prince Royal Inn in 1983 as their Controller, and made many friends. In 1996, she left the Prince Royal Inn and moved into the oil industry, joining Peak Energy Services as a Financial Analyst. There too she made lifelong friends. That was her way.

With the Lamonts now living on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Bonnie and Pat made annual visits to them. She loved the island, the farm, and it was a place she found such joy. Her children would also come to this paradise with their families, and experience the same love of a magical place and people.

Bonnie retired from her working career in 2008. Not one to be idle, she embraced the world of volunteering. She was passionate about her time with the Food Bank, her Book Club, and her “Cookie Ladies”. As her health began to decline, she was no longer able to participate in these activities, but as usual for Bonnie, her Food Bank, Book Club and Cookie Ladies gathered around her for support.

Bob Gleeson came into Bonnie’s life in January 2019. She had begun dating, and met a few “odd balls”, but meeting Bob was a perfect match for them both. Family and friends welcomed Bob into their lives and were delighted to watch their relationship grow. He is a man of great strength, character, and faith. As Bonnie’s health deteriorated far too soon, he remained by her side with much love and affection. He remains a lasting friend.

Bonnie was obsessed with reading, enjoyed playing cards (invariably self-described as the “card holder”), entertaining and dining with friends and family, as well as the occasional “slot machine at the Deerfoot Inn”.

Bonnie was loved by family and friends.  She made an impact on so many people’s lives and everyone that knew her realized she lived life her own way.  

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Doctor Meyer Schoeman, nurse Mary Jo at Seton, and to hospice Calgary/Palliative Care team members for making Bonnie’s final Days comfortable.

A Celebration of Bonnie’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Rees’ service streamed live on the day of the service at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos may also be shared and viewed there.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region, Suite #400, 105 – 12^th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 1A1 Telephone: (403) 297–1700, www.cmha.calgary.ab.ca, or to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Provincial Office, Sun Life Place, 710, 10123 – 99^th Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1 Telephone: 1(866) 412-4222.

In living memory of Bonnie Rees, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200. 

Bonnie's memorial card can be viewed by clicking here

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