Audrey Lillian Bone

Just short of her 92nd birthday, Audrey, loving wife of Thomas Wray Bone for 66 years passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family at Hospice House Kelowna, BC.

Left forever to cherish Audrey’s memory is her son Gordon and wife Tracey, their children, Kristopher, Bryden, and Rae (Amanda); daughter Barb Quesnel and husband Leigh, their children Danika and Gabrielle; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Audrey was predeceased by her beloved husband Wray, her brother Garry Armitage and his wife Dorothy and her sister Vinnie Law and her husband Dave.

Audrey lived in Winnipeg most of her life, and moved to West Kelowna in August, 2020 where she lived at the Heritage Retirement Residence. She was born at 39 Morley Ave in Winnipeg and was the third child of Lydia (nee Kaltenburger) and Leslie Armitage. She attended Riverview, Lord Roberts and Kelvin schools where she received citizenship and athletic awards. She and Wray were childhood sweethearts and married in 1950. They had many life-long friends and happy memories growing up in the Riverview neighbourhood. After completing high school, she was employed at Canadian Fire Insurance, Investor’s Syndicate and Canada Metal.

Audrey lived a full and rich life and found pleasure in the simple things. She was a dedicated daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Living on Harrow Street for over fifty years Audrey served as a volunteer in many community activities. She was an active member of Harrow United Church and volunteered in many positions over the years from Sunday school teacher to church secretary. She and Wray put in many hours of service at Crescentwood Community Club and Audrey also volunteered with the Winnipeg Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

Audrey enjoyed cooking and family time around the table; time spent at Caddy Lake; camping; curling; and traveling. She loved to bake, shortbread being her specialty. She was called “Cookie Grandma” by her grandchildren and rarely showed up without fresh baking in hand. There was always a place at the Bone table for last minute dinner guests.

In 1952 with Cliff and Jackie Doner, they built a cabin at Caddy Lake in the Whiteshell and had close friends Jack and Nell Stoughton nearby. Many good times were had and happy memories were made there with family and friends.

She and Wray took many a road trip to Victoria to visit Wray’s sister Betty King and her husband Fred. Betty was like a sister to Audrey and she often visited in Winnipeg.

Both Audrey and Wray were avid curlers. She was a Life Member of Fort Rouge Ladies Curling club and much fun was had with their curling teams and on road trips.

Audrey spent this last year in West Kelowna. With fewer COVID restrictions in BC, Audrey was continuing to live life to the fullest this past year. She enjoyed many activities at the Heritage, family dinners, visits to wineries, walks along the beach, scenic drives, the kangaroo farm and Friday night happy hour at the local pub. New Year’s Eve she stayed up to midnight to toast in the New Year with a glass of champagne. She loved to play solitaire on her iPad and did so to “keep her mind sharp”.

Mom, you gave so much love, care and joy to your family and friends and asked little in return. To know you was to love you. No words can fully express how much you were loved and appreciated. Your family and friends were blessed to have you in their lives. You will live on in our hearts and memories.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 10 at 2:00 pm at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd, Winnipeg. Please call Thomson “In the Park” at 204-925-1120 to be added to the attendee list. The service will also be live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person, you may follow this link to view it: https://youtu.be/4O4t3NfTHDg

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Drs. Michele Evans and Brian Sharkey who took great care of Audrey and Wray over the years; Dr. Timothy Bintley in West Kelowna; the staff at the Heritage Retirement Residence and the staff at the Hospice House Kelowna for their care and support to both Audrey and her family.

Audrey and Wray both loved the Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, Audrey requested that donations be made to the Assiniboine Park Conservancy by calling 204-927-8080 or through their website.

When I am Gone Author Unknown

"When I am gone, release me. Let me go.

I have so many things to see and do.

You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears.

Be happy that we had so many beautiful years.

I gave to you my love. You can only guess

How much you gave to me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

But now it's time I traveled on alone.

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must.

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It's only for a while that we must part,

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on.

So if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near.

And if you listen with your heart,

You'll hear all my love around you soft and clear.

And then, when you must come this way alone,

I'll greet you with a smile and say welcome home..."