Ilma Rose Bonner, 75 of Mississauga, Ontario, passed away peacefully into her Lord’s presence on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, surrounded by family.

Ilma, affectionately called “Rose” by family, was born on August 14, 1948 to the late Dorothy and Philatus Bonner.

She received her primary education from the Bermaddy Primary school and then earned her Home Economic Certificate from the 4H Club of Jamaica after which she honed her craft, from her mom, and became a Seamstress. She enjoyed designing and making not just her own clothing but blankets, bedding, socks, purses, robes, and other clothing for family, friends and her devoted clientele. Any alterations needed, call Auntie Rose and she would always be ready to help.

She came to know the Lord as her own personal Saviour in August 1965, during a Gospel series at the Treadways Gospel Hall, Jamaica where she was a member of that assembly until immigrating to Montreal, Canada in February 1974. After immigrating to Montreal, she was in consistent fellowship in the Ogilvy Avenue Gospel Hall, and later the Grace Gospel Hall. While living in Montreal for over 16 years, she worked as a Seamstress, designing and making clothing.

To be closer to family, she moved to Mississauga in February, 1990 and immediately joined the Mimico, Toronto assembly, remaining in happy fellowship with fellow Christians who then transitioned to the Applewood Heights assembly. She worked at the Royal York Hotel for over 25 years.

Ilma had a great memory for the scriptures, and a fondness for people that the Lord put across her path. She had a passionate love for children, her large family, her large circle of friends and for the underserved. She loved the Lord, the Lord’s assembly, and the Lord’s people. Rose played an integral role, through her assembly, in many parcels being sent overseas to Zambia, Ukraine, and Sri Lanka.

Ilma was predeceased by her parents, Philatus and Dorothy Bonner and by her younger sister Monica Bonner. She is survived by her seven sisters: Adassa, Rema, Hermine, Nichole, Philiseta, Avis and Paulette, her three brothers: Byron, Kenn and Conroy, several sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, a host of friends and Church family.