Obituary of Claire Marie Bonin

BONIN, Claire Marie – D’Escousse It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Claire Marie Bonin, age 69 of D’Escousse, on January 30, 2020 surrounded with family at her home in D’Escousse. Born October 15, 1950 in Arichat, she was the daughter of the late Gerard and Hazel (Tavenor) Britten. Claire spent everyday loving life, and sharing stories, memories and smiles with family, friends and especially visitors to Isle Madame. Over her life she volunteered countless hours with numerous community organizations, served as a trustee on the Richmond County School Board, worked as a director on an appeal board for Community Services, and an active member promoting Tourism in Isle Madame. Claire was most proud when she was greeting and serving visitors to her Restaurant Claire’s Café & Restaurant in D’Escousse. She saw the potential in a tired old building and with the help of many family and friends brought it to life with her good food, and her welcoming smile. She later opened a smaller Café on the Waterfront at the Lennox Passage Yacht Club and for five summers before her retirement she shared her love of cooking and all things Isle Madame. After retirement Claire’s focus at home remained true to creating a welcoming space for family and friends revolving around good food! Claire is survived by her companion and best friend, Roger Earle Mauger, D’Escousse; daughters Victoria MacKenzie (Don), D’Escousse, Marcia Bonin, Red Deer, Alberta; son Vincent Bonin (Sabrina), D’Escousse; step children Chris MacKay (Anne), Pondville, Amanda Mauger, Halifax; grand children Noah, Edmund, and Angus; step grandchild Candace; sister Nancy Samson (Hughie), Arichat; brothers Richard Britten (Sheila), Martinique, Billy Britten (Shirley), Arichat. And many nieces, great-nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Vincent Bonin; sisters Emily in infancy, Donna Samson, and her twin Emily Joyce; brother John in infancy; brother in law Dean Samson. Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation per Claire’s request. Funeral Mass will be held in Our Lady of Assumption Church in Arichat, Thursday, February 6th, 2020 at 11 am, with Rev Michel Exalant presiding. Burial in St. Hyacinth Cemetery in D’Escousse at 12pm- 12:15 pm (Weather permitting) Memorial donations can be made to The Lodge That Gives- Canadian Cancer Society, Cape Breton Cancer Centre or the Strait Richmond Palliative Care Society. A reception will be held following the Mass at the Irish Club in Rocky Bay. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to C. H. Boudreau Funeral Home Limited in Arichat. To send words of comfort to the family or to light a candle in memory of Claire, please visit www.chboudreau.com