BONNIE RAYLEAN ESSELMONT (BROWN)

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BONNIE RAYLEAN ESSELMONT (nee BROWN) Passed away peacefully Monday, April 30, 2012, at Victoria Hospital. She was predeceased by her mother, Nora Brown in 2008, and her father, Walter Brown in 1995. In 2010, Bonnie's loving husband of 37 years Brian Esselmont passed away. She leaves behind her sons Jeffrey (Courtney) and Sean, mother-in-law Freda, brother-in-law Barry, sister-in-law Ingrid and nieces Christine and Elizabeth. Born in Windsor, Ontario, September 27, 1954, Bonnie moved to Winnipeg in 1967, and became a proud Manitoban. Bonnie attended school in Winnipeg's West-End meeting life long friend Sherry Forte at age 13. While attending Tec Voc she met a Tomboy grocery store employee who turned out to be the love of her life, Brian. Bonnie and Brian were married in the summer of 1973. The two were best friends and simply enjoyed being together, talking about everything under the sun, and still learning new things about each other, even after almost 40 years. Bonnie enjoyed her travels with Brian to Britain, Hawaii, Colorado and Quebec City. Bonnie was a great wife, a caring daughter and a fabulous mother. She was always there for her sons, whether it was help with school, both at home and with volunteering or supporting them in whatever they were interested in. She attended frigid outdoor hockey games and many football games. She really had no interest in the sport of football, however since her boys loved it, she took interest in it and would let them talk to her about it in length. Bonnie worked as an administrative assistant for much of her working life. Bonnie loved reading, especially mystery novels. She also enjoyed British television, especially mystery shows. Bonnie enjoyed watching movies, her love of comedic films was shared with her son Sean. She also had a love for the music of Eric Clapton, which she shared with her son Jeffrey. They learned about Clapton's music together going back to his influences and learning about blues music. In 2007, Bonnie was able to fulfill her dream of seeing Clapton live in concert, seeing his show with her son Jeffrey. She cherished her time with her family, especially summer vacations at Clear Lake. Bonnie always loved to learn new things and never stopped trying to learn more. Bonnie was a positive, happy and kind woman who showed strength in tough times. To have known her was a gift as she was a great friend to many people; she always wanted to know how you were doing. She always thought of others first. Today we think of her and miss her kind way and infectious bubbly personality. A service of Remembrance will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2012, at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street, at 10:00 am. 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 12, 2012