BONNELL Mildred M. (nee Branton)

July 23, 1917 – March 27, 2018 Passed peacefully away at Saint Luke’s Home on March 27, 2018 Mildred M. Bonnell (Nee Branton) of St. Johns in her 101st year. Mildred enjoyed a full life of work, play and service. Born in Thornlea, TB, she moved to St. John’s in her teens and in 1939 married Richard “Dick” Bonnell and they shared 52 wonderful years until his passing on November 27, 1991. Mildred was a beautician and operated her own business until she was in her early 90’s. Although Mildred worked hard she also found time for play. She loved the outdoors, camping, boilups and berry picking. She was an avid sports fisher person and, in the fall, she loved to set rabbit snares. Mildred loved the time she spent at “the cabin”, enjoying family and friends. Indoors she was just as active. She bowled in three competitive leagues and won awards for the highest single, highest triple and was one pin away from a perfect score of 450. Mildred was a member of a ladies team that represented the province in a National Competition held in Ontario. She continued bowling until her middle 90’s. Also, she played darts, cards, loved to dance and in her quiet time she loved to read. In addition to all these activities she still found time to do service. She was an very active member of the Royal purple of the St. John’s Elks Club and a member of the Drill Team. Also, until age 97 Mildred and her life long friend, Eva Hutchings sold bingo cards at the Elk’s Club Wednesday night bingo. Mildred’s Church was also an important part of her life. Dick and Mildred were among the foundation members of Saint James United Church. She was a life member of United Church woman and a member of the Friendship Group. You would always find her working at the fall morning coffee and sale of work. She had a morning coffee table that she prided herself in until her early 90’s. At the age of 91 she moved into a cottage at Saint Luke’s Homes. At the age of 93 she gave up her car and this is when the Saint Luke’s Adult Day Program became a focal point for her. At the age of 98 she moved into Saint Luke’s Homes. She had wonderful words of praise for the staff at Saint Luke’s where she was treated with respect and dignity, the staff show love and compassion for all residents and families are made welcome. Mildred is survived by her daughter Florence (Vincent Pike), granddaughter Dr. Pamela Pike (Stephen Binz) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, sister Effie Thompson of Rome, NY, sistersin-law: Marie Branton of Stephenville, Minnie Bonnell of St. John’s, Phoebe Bonnell of Pasadena, NL as well as a large number of special nieces, nephews and wonderful friends both young and old and all these people she loved with an open heart. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements are entrusted to Barrett’s Funeral Home, 328 Hamilton Avenue. A celebration of her life will take place at a later date. Donations in her memory may be made to St. James United Church Memorial Fund, Saint Luke’s Home Chapel Fund or a charity of done choice. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.barretts.ca.