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.
My condolences to the family during this difficult time.
I met Boneva at OCTC, where she was my mentor while I was in my EA program. Boneva was an exceptional, warm, loving teacher. I learned so much from her. I ended up becoming a teacher and Boneva came to my wedding. Her twinkle in her eye as you stated will be truly missed. ?