Faye “Vee” Bonnick, at the age of 69 years old, went home to be with the Lord, who she served and loved, after a heroic battle with cardiomyopathy/congestive heart failure for over 15 years. Faye Bonnick passed away peacefully at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017, in Virginia Beach. She was welcomed into her heavenly home that she longed to see.
Faye is survived by her devoted children, Alayne Reid-Jones, Gary and Carrie Reid, Judi and the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Francis; her adoring stepsons, Michael Reid and Mark “Ricky” Reid; and her cherished grandchildren, Meleeke Jones (21), Justice Adams (19), Jamieson Francis (15), Austin Reid (13), Jennah Francis (10) and Jordan Francis (7).
Faye was born in Clarendon, Jamaica, on Feb. 19, 1947, and preceded in death by her mother, Annestine Campbell, and father, Ducelle Bonnick. She has 12 siblings who she loved dearly, Mavis “Dottie” Ricketts, Adolphous Bonnick, Les Bonnick, Ronald “Nal” Bonnick, Mary Moore, Lloyd Bonnick, Locklyn “Doc” Bonnick, Fitzroy “Page” Bonnick, Rhona Sturmhofel, Douglas Bonnick, Zachy Bonnick and Lemah Bonnick; dozens of loving nieces and nephews; and a host of faithful other family and friends.
As a young child, she was dedicated to her family and her education. On June 4, 1966, Faye married Lebert Reid and was welcomed and beloved by the Reid family.
At the age of 19, she left Jamaica and lived in Freeport, Grand Bahamas, where she worked as a bank teller at Barkley’s Bank. Faye and her family immigrated to Toronto, Canada, in 1971.
Faye had a successful career with Bell Canada for over 30 years. She retired, resided in Clermont, Fla., where she gained many valuable friendships and a church family. Faye moved to Virginia Beach to reside with her daughter, Judi, and her family in December 2015.
Faye was a beautiful woman; fun-loving, enthusiastic about life and had an infectious spirit and laugh. She loved to spend time with her children, grandchildren, family and friends, which she loved to visit around the world. She is fondly remembered by her lavish dinner parties and holiday celebrations which were always classy affairs with great food and the best rice and peas!
Faye was a strong believer, intelligent and intentional woman who encouraged and enjoyed talking and engaging in a good debate. During her final year, she enjoyed time with her grandchildren, talking with family and friends, along with spending time in the Word of God. Despite the doctors’ prognosis, Faye defied the odds and lived almost a year longer than predicted by medical science. Her strength, faith and the power of prayer from her family and friends helped her to live a rich life filled with love, hope and peace.
This world has lost a magnificent angel who brought such joy to everyone and brightened every room that she entered. Our life is richer having known her, and we will hold onto our memories of her and not only our sadness.
A memorial and celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, at Le Parc Dining & Banquet (Banquet Hall #2), 8432 Leslie St., Thornhill, Ontario L3T 7M6, Canada.
