Bona Rose Malo

Bona is survived by her loving husband, Donald; daughter Cheri in Vancouver; son Brian in Calgary as well as her grandchildren, Preston & Lylah who she adored and supported so much; her brother Denis (& Trish) reside in BC along with her nephews Byron and Greg. Bona was born in Saltcoats, SK where her parents, Rupert and Edith (now deceased) farmed. Donald & Bona married in June, 1969. Bona taught music to support them while Donald completed his Engineering Degree. They headed to BC and ultimately settled in Calgary for 25 years.

To nieces and nephews of the large family she married into, she was “Auntie Bona” and so often was the “glue” that would bring the family together when residing in Calgary or, later on, when they moved back to the old home town of Wolseley in 2010. There was never a time that room couldn’t be made for one more at the table. She thought of her sisters and brothers-in-law as her own siblings and this feeling was echoed by one and all.

Music was such a large part of Bona’s life -- first teaching in Calgary and once retired, playing for her own pleasure. She was a spiritual person who found peace in her last few days listening to gospel music. No dust bunnies and no lack of goodies in her house as she meticulously cleaned, canned, baked and cooked. She loved to sew and quilt. She also readily admitted that she had an amazing husband who “spoiled” her and who would help her acquire the tools she needed for new hobbies such as embroidery or figuring out the mathematics of a new quilt idea. Learning a new skill was a challenge she readily accepted.

Her attitude to change was always so positive. After years of camping locally, taking a number of long RV trips exploring North America and spending 10 winters in Texas, they decided the time had come for a change. Bona’s attitude – “we have marvelous memories of these times but, it’s time to move on to something different”. She learned that birding can be fun – another new hobby for them in retirement – and rumor has it that she was a better spotter than most. To the very end, she knew how important it was for Donald to continue these adventures and at times, she would nudge other members of the family to explore with him knowing that it would give him such joy. Bona enjoyed new and varied travel experiences: the tranquility of New Zealand; the differences of India; the marvels of an African safari adventure; birding in Spain; cruising the Panama and Danube.

She was strong-willed and courageous. When she fell from the bike in France and sprained her wrist; she wrapped it up in a sock and “carried on”. When her ankle gave out, making it difficult for her to walk long distances, her electric Travel Buggy became her friend. Her independence was so very important to her.

We all loved Bona’s joy of life; positive spirit and kind heartedness. When she saw someone in need, she would try to help.

Bona‘s time on this earth ended as she lived it; with boldness and strength in the face of adversity. Bona would say she had an amazing, fulfilling life which was beyond her expectations. She derived so much joy in sharing wonderful times with family and friends. Bona would say “remember my smile; my laughter; our times together. Miss me, but do not be sad.”

A celebration of life took place in the St. James United Church C.E. Centre, Wolseley, Saskatchewan on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. A private family interment will take place at a later date in the Wolseley Cemetery.

If friends so desire, contributions may be made to the Wolseley & District Health Foundation, Box 134, Wolseley, SK S0G 5H0 (specify in memo line - for Ladies Auxiliary).