BONK, Christina Anne (nee SPEZIALE)

BONK, Christine Anne (nee SPEZIALE) March 22, 1952 – February 24, 2019 Surrounded by the unconditional love and support of her family, Christine passed away peacefully and with dignity.

She was blessed with the unwavering devotion of her husband, John, for 44 years. Chris treasured her precious son, Jesse, and grandson, Lucas. She was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Mary Speziale, and her in-laws, John and Nadia Bonk. She is survived by her siblings Jackie Bajus (and late Joseph Bajus), Patrick and Maria Speziale, and Rosanne and Bruce Sogan, and in-laws Nick and Linda Bonk. Special memories of their aunt will be held by her nieces and nephews Julie, Joanna, Nicole, Tim, Patrick, Daniella, Darlene and John. Christine also leaves behind her aunts, Angie Peres and Florence Jeffrey, as well as many dear cousins from the Speziale, Peres and Palango families.

Chris attended St. John the Baptist Elementary and Delta Secondary Schools. After marrying John, Winnipeg became home for over 18 years and a special group of Western friends emerged in her life. There she became a flight attendant, dabbled in real estate and was a physical wellness instructor. Their return to the Hamilton area in 1991 was timely in Chris’s new career with Adecco, where she became a high achieving personnel placement representative.

Christine’s passion for physical fitness lead her to ongoing training and eventually participating in many half-marathons with her friends at the Running Room. Chris’s love of running gave her the competitiveness to run the toughest race of her life – a 5-year marathon with glioblastoma. Her strength, endurance and positive spirit empowered her to beat all odds. Special thanks to her “coaches” Drs. Cameron, Torres and Murty, and to her loving “trainer”, John. Appreciation also goes out to her spiritual advisor, Fr. David Wilhelm. Chris was surrounded by cheerleaders that included friends, Melanie and Sandy, members of the B.S.F. Bible Study group as well as her siblings and spouses.

Our Christine will always be remembered as a beautiful woman inside and out, who displayed a great sense of style and poise, and whose warm personality, winning smile and sassy humor would light up a room.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at MARKEY-DERMODY FUNERAL HOME, 1774 King Street East (at Kenilworth), Hamilton from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 8:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, 63 Highway 20 East, Stoney Creek on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at 12 p.m. Cremation to follow. A Celebration of Life will be announced in the near future.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Christine’s memory to the Bob Kemp Hospice would be appreciated.

“May the winds of Heaven blow softly in your ears Whispering how much we love you and wish you were here.”