Obituary — Vonnie Honeyman — Goodbye to a kind, loving and elegant lady

Vonnie was born as Vida Yvonne Collins on the 8th of July 1925, the second child and only daughter to Milly and George Collins of Bourke.

Vonnie attended Bourke Public School until 1938, when at the age of 13 she gained employment as a cashier at a local department store called Permewan Wright Ltd. Later she moved into the office as a typist.

In 1943, during the war, Vonnie moved to Sydney and worked for British Standard Machinery. She returned to Bourke in 1945, again working in the office at Permewan’s store.

On the 9th of October 1947 Vonnie married George Honeyman, and they lived in Bourke until 1950 when George was transferred to Permewan’s Store at Baradine as the manager.

After 12 months in Baradine, George was transferred to Tottenham and this is where Vonnie began her lifelong love of lawn bowls, a sport she excelled in, taking out the singles and pairs championships that year.

After another transfer to Nyngan, on the 14th of June 1958, their son Peter was born. The family then moved to Cooma in 1960 and on 3rd of June, 1960 their daughter Roslyn was born.

In 1961 the family returned to Bourke and they built the home in Darling Street, where Vonnie lived for the rest of her life.

Vonnie was devastated when George suddenly passed away in 1977.

After losing George, Vonnie began volunteering, delivering meals and assisting with the Hospital Auxiliary Trolley.

Vonnie endured another devastating loss when her son Peter passed away on 27th July 2000, at the age of 42.

Vonnie continued to live in the Darling Street home and was supported by her daughter Roslyn, enjoying watching Roslyn’s 4 children, Shane, Rebecca, Daniel and Amanda grow and begin families of their own, taking delight in the birth of all her 10 great grandchildren.

She played lawn bowls for as long as she was able, taking out many championships and being treasurer for many years. She was also adept at many crafts, pottery, crochet, knitting, tapestry, and bobbin lace to name a few.

Vonnie is survived by her daughter Roslyn, 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Vonnie was a beautiful, loving, kind, elegant lady who touched many lives and will be missed by all her knew her.

Rest in peace Vonnie.