Violet Boldon

Violet Reid Boldon passed away in the early morning of Thursday, June 5th, surrounded by her two daughters, Roxanne and Abiola, and her granddaughter, Tanyta. She left this world peacefully, wrapped in love.

Violet was a strong, proud, and big-hearted Trinidadian woman. At just 21 years old, after winning the Miss Port of Spain pageant in her beloved Trinidad and Tobago, she courageously left her island home and came to Canada. She first settled in Ottawa, working as a live-in Nanny for one year. After earning her citizenship, she began sponsoring her family members, becoming the first to set foot in a new land in search of a better life for all.

She later met Bertram Boldon in Montreal. They married during his final year at McGill University, settled in Montreal, and together raised two beautiful daughters. Violet and Bertram shared 61 years of marriage until his passing two years ago.

In addition to raising her daughters, Violet was a founding member of the Black Theatre Workshop in Montreal, where she performed lead roles in many ground-breaking productions and participated in casting calls for CBC. A gifted actress with a sharp mind, she not only learned her own lines, but often knew the lines of her fellow cast members — always ready to step in if needed.

Violet lit up every room she entered. Her star quality was matched by her extraordinary generosity. She opened her home to countless people over the years, offering a place to stay for relatives like George Corbie and Colin Goin, among many others, so they could complete their schooling and build new lives.

She accepted everyone — without judgment, without hesitation. Black, White, Asian, straight, gay — however you identified, you were welcomed with open arms. Visitors to Violet’s home were always welcomed with warmth, good food, liquor, music, and laughter. Dancing to calypso and soca while cooking was simply part of everyday life. She made everyone feel at home. That was Violet!

Violet loved Carnival and was deeply involved with the Roots Cultural Association for many years, sewing costumes, encouraging her daughters to “play mas,” and proudly sharing her Trinidadian heritage.

Violet was a true "star act." She balanced being a devoted wife, a working mother, a disciplinarian, nurturer, philosopher, comedian, and a woman who knew how to celebrate life. She lived every role fully, fiercely loving and supporting her daughters Roxanne and Abiola, and her cherished granddaughter, Tanyta.

She leaves behind her daughters Roxanne Goodman and Abiola Boldon; her granddaughter Tanyta Boldon-Roe and her husband Jonathon Roe; her brother Kenneth Reid; sister-in-laws Kathleen Suite, Pam Streete, Marlene Olivier, Marlene Boldon, and Karen Boldon; brother-in-law Guy Boldon; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

She will be deeply missed.