MOFFATT, Bonny May MOFFATT

She passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, in Kitchener, Ontario, at the age of 74. Born on May 31, 1951, in Orillia, Ontario, Bonny lived a life defined by curiosity, resilience, and a joyful embrace of every opportunity that came her way.

Bonny was the beloved wife of Thomas (Tom) Moffatt and a cherished stepmother to Janis (Moffatt) Cole. She held a special place in the hearts of her grandchildren—Sydney, Taylor, Ethan, and Dylan Cole—and shared a warm bond with her son-in-law Christopher Cole and godson Sean Godden. Her loving sister Barbara Trimble and nephews Curt West, Mark Trimble, and Shane Trimble also mourn her passing. Bonny was predeceased by her parents Jim and Rita Trimble and her brothers Benjamin (Ben) Trimble and Robert (Bob) Trimble.

A passionate advocate for education throughout her life, Bonny’s academic journey began at C.J. Mackenzie High School in Deep River, where she graduated in 1970. She went on to earn a B.A. in Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University in Kitchener in 1974. Her commitment to learning continued at Queen’s University in Kingston, where she completed a Bachelor of Education with a focus on Guidance. Always eager to expand her knowledge and expertise, she pursued further studies at Lakehead University in Movement Education (Thunder Bay, 1976), followed by courses at York University between 1981 and 1988 that included Religion, Special Education Specialist qualifications, and Principal’s Courses.

Bonny began her teaching career in Emo, Ontario (Fort Frances–Rainy River region) from 1975 to 1977. Her love for education led her to California where she earned a Master’s degree in Special Education from The University of Santa Clara in 1980. During this time she worked with developmentally disabled adolescents and adults through positions at the San Jose Unified School District and Agnew State Hospital from 1979 to 1980.

Returning to Canada with valuable experience and renewed purpose, Bonny joined the Dufferin-Peel Roman Catholic Separate School Board as a Special Education Resource Teacher for students from SK to Grade 8 between 1981 and 1989. She also served as Acting Vice-Principal during this time from 1984 to 1989.

Even when faced with significant health challenges—including rheumatoid arthritis that required multiple surgeries and joint replacements—Bonny remained steadfast in her dedication to education and personal growth. Though these health issues eventually led to early retirement through Long Term Disability benefits, she officially retired at age 65 in 2016.

Bonny approached life with boundless enthusiasm. An avid scuba diver who delighted in underwater exploration, she also had a passion for classic cars and the open road. Her love of travel took her around the world where she immersed herself fully into new cultures and experiences. At home, she expressed herself through painting vivid scenes drawn from memory or imagination. She kept her mind sharp with crosswords and brain games while embracing every opportunity to learn something new.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—good wine, good food, good company—and engaged deeply with hobbies that reflected her creative spirit: swimming, sewing, macramé, cooking, cross-country skiing, reading widely across genres, appreciating music of all kinds, creating stained glass art pieces—and always seeking out opportunities for discovery.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 9, 2025 with visitation from 1:00 P.M. to 2:30 P.M., followed by a Memorial Service beginning at 2:30 P.M., at the Cambridge Shrine Club located at 1149 Cheese Factory Road in Cambridge, Ontario.

Bonny’s vibrant spirit will continue to inspire those who knew her—through stories shared over meals or music; through artwork created or lessons taught; through laughter echoing across generations; through love given freely without condition.