It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Boneva Mary Gilbert (née Blair), surrounded by family in Ottawa on July 6th, at the age of 77. She had suffered for many years with a rare neurodegenerative disease.
Born in Kingston, Ontario on June 13th, 1945, to the late Edward and Ada Blair (née Delaney), she was the elder sister to two brothers (the late Ted and Richard Blair). She spent her early years in Gananoque, with a few intermittent years in Syracuse, New York. The Blair family relocated to Ottawa in 1957, where Boneva lived for rest of her life. In Ottawa, she graduated from Glebe Collegiate Institute, earned a Bachelor of Arts Major in French from Carleton University, and met her partner for life, Clive Gilbert. Clive and Boneva married in 1967, and together they raised a family of two, daughter Laura and son Richard (Nathalie Perez), welcomed a grandson, Spencer and later gained three step-grandchildren Olivier, Philipe and Rosabelle.
Boneva balanced a full life of raising her family and professional careers providing service to the community. A much-loved teacher (Ottawa Teacher’s College class of 1967), notably at Pleasant Park Elementary School, as well becoming a Registered Nurse (Algonquin College class of 1982) at the Perley Hospital, Boneva was passionate about developing her students and providing patient care. Both professions combined made her the perfect candidate as a Special Education Teacher at the Ottawa Children’s Treatment Centre, where she worked until retirement.
Very artistic, Boneva was passionate about music, singing and dancing, and enjoyed caring for her garden. She adored our dogs, who were part of the family for years, Basil, Magnus, Angus, and Sophie. We will always remember her beautiful smile, and the twinkle in her eye. She left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her and will be deeply missed.
Special thanks to the staff at the Ottawa General Hospital, and to the healthcare workers at Bayshore Home Health Ottawa for their devoted care.
A memorial service for Boneva is scheduled for Tuesday July 26th, at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa. Friends and family are invited to arrive for a visitation that will begin at 11:00 am, followed at 1:00 pm by a memorial service, and an internment at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation.
Digital Guestbook
Anna Delaney
Robert Cardillo
I am very saddened that my cousin Boneva has left this world only to enter into paradise. May she and my wife Regina who passed away on June 30th rekindle their relationship and together watch over those they love back on earth. I have very fond memories visiting her and Ted and Richard in the summers. God rest her soul.
Jaime Kirkwood
Sending love and prayers to the family as a friend of her daughter Laura. May she Rest In Peace.
MRS PATRICIA HERRON
Our thoughts and prayers to all the family. It was my pleasure to meet our beautiful cousin twice when she visited Scotland. Rest in peace Boneva. Lovingly remembered.xx
John Gilbert
Our condolences to Clive, Laura and Richard. Thank you for all you have done. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Maureen, John, Nancy and Mike
Maria Blair
My deepest sympathies to Clive, Laura, and Richard for the passing of our beautiful Boneva. She is in heaven with her dear brothers Ted and Richard. They all left us way too early. Rest In Peace my dear and beautiful sister-in-law.
Vanessa Blair
Our deepest condolences to Uncle Clive, Laura, and Richard. I will always remember my kind and sweet Aunt Boneva.
Sending love.
Vanessa and Jimmy
Bertha Nemer and Family
Our deepest condolences to Clive, Laura, Richard , Natalie and grandchildren. We are so saddened by the loss of our beautiful neighbor. We will never forget her smile and our conversations while gardening and throughout the many years we lived across the street from each other. She had the love and support of her beautiful family right to the end. She was a beautiful, kind , warm , intelligent and vibrant person. You will be dearly missed Boneva. Our love and prayers are with the family and May her Memory be a Blessing.
Alan and Flo Jacob
Our sincere condolences to Clive and family for your loss.
Alan and Flo Jacob
Our sincere condolences to Clive and family for your loss.
Rest in peace, dear cousin and friend, Boneva. Your laughter, positive outlook on life, generosity, and genuine warmth of heart will be so missed. Heartfelt condolences to her family.