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
Ann Hentschel
Dave Martin & Cheryl Brooks
Our condolences to Clive, Laura, Richard and family for your loss. We will always remember Boneva as the bright, friendly, caring person she was. Hopefully those memories will help you through the sadness.
Eddy Siouti
It is with very deep sadness to hear about the passing of Mary, the mother of work colleague of mine, Laura. May god rest her soul. Memory Eternal.
Amir Mostafavi
My heartfelt condolences to you Laura and your family. May your mom’s soul rest in peace!
Ron and Heather Boucher
We are so saddened to learn of the passing of a lovely’s neighbour and friend , Mother of our youngest Son’s best friend for many years. She had a beautiful smile that would brighten your day . I will remember our chats over the years and the fun we had taking our first yoga classes , Our deepest sympathies to Clive and Richard and Laura and their families .
Dan Dorion
My condolences to you and your Family Laura.
George Herczeg
My sincere condolences to you and family for your loss.
Syed Ashraf
I am so sorry for your loss Laura, please accept my deepest condolences
Lisa Cardillo Towsen
We have such fond memories of Boneva visiting us in PA. Her smile was infectious. She gave us a lovely blanket when we got married. Our hearts are saddened for her family and friends. Sending love, prayers and peace. ❤️
Erin Ruscica (formerly Johnson).
Please accept condolences from me on behalf of my late mother , Wendy Johnson, who worked with Boneva at OCTC for many years. I also had the pleasure of working with her as a supply EA. She was lovely and caring. Rest in peace.
My deepest condolences to Clive, Laura, Richard, and Spencer. I will always remember the fun times we had with Boneva. On one of our trips to Ottawa we visited a military show. A little boy in a wheelchair called out to Boneva and came over to see her. He was one of Boneva’s students. She gave him a big hug. She was loved by all her students.
My love to all of you at this sad time.
Ann