WAREHAM, Bonnie Doreen, 66, passed away on Good Friday, March 29, 2013, at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, N.S. Her impassioned battle against multiple sclerosis began 32 years ago. Bonnie's vigorous will to live, unwavering optimism, and the love of family, friends, and many supporters carried her through her difficult disease. She always displayed a hopeful outlook on life, never feeling down or frittering away time on self-pity. Quite simply, she loved her life just the way it was. Bonnie displayed grace at all times, demonstrated kindness toward everyone, and was masterful with her wit and charm. Everyone who had the pleasure of getting to know Bonnie, even during the briefest encounters, came away with valuable life lessons. Bonnie was born on April 3, 1946, in Woodstock, Ont., to Arthur and Ruby (Winsor) Burry. Growing up in Woodstock, she graduated from Woodstock Collegiate Institute in 1963. After high school she attended the Ontario Vocational Centre (Fanshawe College), graduating as a computer keypunch operator. Soon after she began working at Harvey Woods Ltd. as a keypunch operator. After starting her family, Bonnie worked as the general manager of the Matador Steakhouse and Tavern in Cambridge, Ont., where her early righteousness and courage were put on display after serving as the key witness in the conviction and jailing of organized-crime members following an attempted robbery of the business. Bonnie adored her husband, Clyde, with whom she spent 43 years. After moving to Cape Breton, N.S., in 1974, Bonnie worked hard to build a series of small businesses with Clyde. They founded Premium Distributors Ltd., for which Bonnie diligently managed all the office and financial aspects of the business. She adapted readily to several industries in which the business undertook, including magazine distribution, greenhouse operations, and manufacturing of mining and textile products. Bonnie's community activities in Sydney were numerous. She was a member of Trinity United Church, where she participated in countless charity bake sales and potluck suppers, raising money for the poor and assisting new immigrants to Canada. She was a popular leader with youth organizations such as the Girl Guides of Canada, 4-H Club, the Cheerleaders of Ashby School, and St. Theresa's Youth Hockey. Long before the onset of her illness, Bonnie was an avid fundraiser for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the Cancer Society. Bonnie's zest for life was exhibited in many ways. She faithfully cared for family and friends through delicious cooking and baking from scratch. Even at times when she was not able to be hands-on, she always made certain that her recipes were prepared according to her exacting instructions. Bonnie also got great joy from listening to music; she was well known for her love of rock and roll and her philosophy of louder always being better. She loved dancing, fast cars, and played all varieties of games and cards, especially with her family and close friends. She treasured camping with her family on the northeastern shores of Cape Breton and in Wreck Cove, where many family memories live on. She had a deep passion for gardening and got great satisfaction in the fresh fruits and vegetables she grew for her family to enjoy; for her there was nothing better than putting her hands in the dirt. Bonnie's family would like to extend special thanks to those whose major medical contributions allowed her to fully enjoy the life she loved: Dr. Mohan Singh Virick in Sydney; Dr. Jock Murray in Halifax; LPN Cecile MacAulay in Sydney; LPN Ellen "More-or-Less" Moore in Sydney; Lucille Smithson in London, Ont.; Dr. Christine Short in Halifax; and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. Countless more supporters, caregivers, and medical experts helped Bonnie over the years; although the family regrets that they can't name you all, we will be forever grateful. Bonnie was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Ruby Burry. She is survived by her husband, Clyde, of Beaverbank, N.S.; her son Paul (Mana), Bedford, N.S.; her daughters Stacy Medeiros (Henry) of Kitchener, Ont., and Marina Patterson (Noel) of Owen Sound, Ont.; and her grandchildren James, Jacob, and Jocelyn; her brother, Kevin Burry; and her husband's children Linda Wareham-Benedict (Ben), London, Ont.; Walter Wareham (Misun Kim), Edmonton; and Margret Wareham, London, Ont.; and grandchildren, Nicole, Jennifer, and Monique. Throughout her life, Bonnie maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking, will never be forgotten. A memorial service will be held at Bonnie's home at 377 Laurel Ridge Dr., Beaverbank, N.S., on Sunday, April 14, 2013, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and is open to all of Bonnie's family and friends. As expressions of sympathy, the family would appreciate it if donations would be made in Bonnie's memory to promising research in the reversal of MS symptoms through the leadership of the Myelin Repair Foundation: www.myelinrepair.org, 18809 Cox Ave., Suite 190, Saratoga, CA 95070, 1-877-863-4967.