In Loving Memory of

Evelyn Bonnell (Bonnie) Loder

(Maiden: Jones)
of Edmonton
Jan 10, 1928 - Jun 2, 2014

Softly and tenderly in her eighty-seventh year, Mom passed away peacefully in her sleep, at her home, on June 2, 2014. Mom was beloved by her family and though she is no longer with us, her memory will continue to comfort us, as her example will inspire us.,

Bonnie was born on January 10, 1928, the first child of Douglas and Anita Jones and lived her entire life in Edmonton. A graduate in nursing from the University of Alberta, Mom married Ralph, the love of her life in 1948 and Mom and Dad were to enjoy their life-partnership for over 64 years together before Dad passed away in December 2012.

Mom loved her family. She proudly considered her greatest accomplishment to be her four children, Linda (Bill) Stuebing, Doug Loder, Ken (Marcia) Loder, and Trish (Murray) McKay, together with her eight grandchildren, Emmy (Ian Foulds) Stuebing, Ken (Jen King) Stuebing, Lauren (Tristan) Patterson, Rob (Suzy Manning) Stuebing, Sarah Stuebing, Scott Loder, and Chris and Nicole McKay. This past year Mom was also thrilled to hold her first great-grandchild, Dashiell Stuebing. Completing Bonnie’s family are her brother Frank (Patricia) Jones and her two nieces, Heather Jones and Wendy McLean. Bonnie was predeceased by her nephew, Bruce Jones.

Bonnie was a beautiful, gracious and compassionate woman who could make everyone she met feel welcome, and could talk at length with virtually anyone about anything. She loved to entertain and was the consummate hostess, holding great parties and gatherings for family, friends and business associates. Mom was known to us for her punctuality and the fact that she approached much of what she wanted to do by developing a plan and then "getting it done" as quickly and efficiently as possible. Her plans were frequently known to include one or two bouquets of flowers. Mom’s love of life and vibrant, caring personality will be missed by all who knew her. She was truly one of a kind!

As a young girl, Mom enjoyed spending summers at Seba Beach and was pleased to carry on that tradition for many years with her own children and grandchildren. While Mom and Dad travelled extensively, across Canada and around the world for both business and pleasure, Mom was always happy to return home to Edmonton. Bonnie loved Edmonton, and over the years served her community in a variety of ways including the University of Alberta Hospital Foundation, the Junior League, Government House, the Citadel Theatre, Klondike Days and the Festival of Trees.

Mom and Dad were also faithful, life-long members of Robertson-Wesley United Church where Mom took an active role with the Couples’ Club and the Flower Group. In 1947, while a student at the University of Alberta, Mom joined Delta Gamma Fraternity where she remained active as a mentor for many years and took special delight in being the first of five Loder ladies over three generations to be DGs. For the past few years Mom resided at Touchmark Retirement Community and the family wishes to express its sincere appreciation to all the staff, especially Maria and Giselle, for their love and attention that brightened Mom’s life. We also wish to recognize and thank Mrs. Bodil Jensen, a long-time family friend, who became Mom’s very special companion and caregiver.

There will be a private celebration of Bonnie’s life in accordance with the wishes of the family. Should friends desire, memorial donations to the Bonnie Loder Compassion Fund at Robertson-Wesley United Church (10209 – 123 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5N 1N3) would be greatly appreciated.