March 22, 1941 - August 7, 2024
On Wednesday, August 7, 2024, the talented and lovely Bonnie Ovans passed away peacefully at the age of 83.
Born Bonnie Ruth Carey in Chilliwack on March 22, 1941 to parents Doris (nee Currie) and Harold Carey. Bonnie was raised on Fairfield Island where she experienced a typical and idyllic Chilliwack childhood, including rafting to Strathcona Elementary during the flood of 1948.
An earnest student, Bonnie graduated from Chilliwack Senior in 1959. While in high school, Bonnie met David Ovans - a young army engineer - at the Paramount Theatre; Bonnie would marry David at the All Sappers Chapel, CFB Chilliwack in 1960.
After daughter Kelly was born in 1961, Bonnie and baby traveled to West Germany to join David on his NATO tour of duty that would last until 1963. Living overseas with a new baby was a defining moment in Bonnie's life, where she learned to be independent and resilient.
The birth of son Russell followed in 1965. Once Russ started school, Bonnie began working at the Sears catalogue office on Wellington Avenue while at the same time nurturing her artistic skills through courses offered at the local arts council.
When Cottonwood Mall opened in 1975, Bonnie became the voice of Sears as the switchboard operator and announcer who implored our "attention shoppers." Bonnie's artistic talent led her to join the store's display team. Eventually promoted to advertising coordinator, every Sears ad that appeared in the Chilliwack Progress in the late '70s had first met Bonnie's approval.
Bonnie left Chilliwack in 1979, eventually settling in Victoria where she worked at the Ministry of Health for over 20 years. Bonnie and David loved Victoria: they lived there for 35 years in an immaculate home with an extensive arts and crafts room, hosting weekend family dinners for Russell and the three grandchildren.
In retirement, the couple returned to Chilliwack to be reunited with old friends and family. After David's passing in 2020, Bonnie developed dementia, living the last two years of her life under the excellent care of the good people at the Cascades Lodge.
Bonnie is remembered by her family as a creative, independent spirit who enjoyed artistic expression. Often in the shadow of her extrovert husband, Bonnie quietly went about living a full and happy life by prioritizing social connections and activities with friends. She loved a good coffee and liquorice allsorts, sometimes even together.
She is survived by sisters Peggy (Rodney) and Iris (Dennis); children Kelly and Russell (Meghan); grandchildren Svea (Keenan), Ilana, and Rebecca; great-granddaughter Mia; nieces Connie (Claude) and Debra (Brent); nephews Dean (Jennifer) and Doug (Corilee); and her many Carey and Currie cousins spread throughout the land.
In keeping with Bonnie's spirit, no funeral services are planned.