September 16, 1929 - August 11, 2020
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful mom, Margaret Sarah (Pearl) Bonwick on August 11, 2020. Mom was born on September 16, 1929 in Islay, Alberta to Irish born parents, Elizabeth and Peter Martin. In the early 50's Mom moved to Calgary to start her nursing career. Shortly after she met the love of her life, Walter, and on June 25, 1952 they were married. Pearl and Walter raised their four children on Hobart Road "Hotel" where the door was always open, and the house was always hopping. In 1979, Mom decided to hang up her nursing shoes and follow her dreams of becoming a florist. She loved playing with the flowers as she would say. In the 1980's she and Walter moved to Okotoks where she helped her dear friends, Patty and Linda, open a flower shop. After Walter's passing, in 1987, she moved to Sylvan Lake and worked with Anita at My Favourite Things, and then with Bonnie & Craig and numerous wonderful co-workers. She was well known in the Sylvan Lake community as Grandma Pearl. At 82 years old she decided to retire from the flower shop, but she never stopped creating. Mom loved to volunteer her time especially if it had anything to do with Christmas. She loved to garden and always looked forward to the spring when Isabelle, Susan and she would plan the flower gardens at the apartment. She had numerous friends in Sylvan Lake from the bingo gals, ladies' coffee group, and all her neighbours at the apartment block. Mom loved to go on holidays and spend time with her family. She especially loved that every fall her niece Joan and sister Annie would come pick her up and go on a holiday together. In 2018, she moved to the Wellington, in Medicine Hat, where she made many new friends and was involved with all sorts of activities. She especially enjoyed playing tile rummy with her dear friends Mary and Joan. Pearl is survived by her sons, James (wife Phyllis) and Gord (Ann); daughters, Donna and Diana (Steve); her grandchildren; Janice (David), Connie, Michael (Sammy), Peter (Brea), Josh (Lily), James (Marcia), Marc (Sarah) and Sarah; great grandchildren, Aidian, Joel, Leigh, Zoe, Damien, Fergus; sister, Ann; sister-in-law, Irene; brother-in-law, Lloyd; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank all the wonderful nurses and staff at the Wellington. You made her so welcomed and she had an incredible time. Thanks to all the doctors and especially to Dr. Monty for his weekly visits. Thanks also to the community EMS, and Leslie from homecare for all your help and advice. And a special thanks to St Joseph's Home. What an incredible group of ladies. Your compassion, love and care for our mom is something we will never forget. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 28th at 1:00 pm at St. James Parish in Okotoks, Alberta. With the current restrictions surrounding COVID19 limiting seating to 100 people, please contact Diana Skrenkowich at dianaskrenkowich@icloud.com if you are planning to attend.