Dolly was born into a large family in a small fishing community near Curling, Newfoundland. At an early age, her independent spirit inspired her to move across Canada, where she eventually settled on the West Coast.
Dolly was predeceased by her husband, Jack, in 1982, and is survived by her sons; Mike (Penny) and grandchildren Matthew and Megan; Doug (Cory); John (Leslie Slater); daughter, Barbara (Ian Simpson) and granddaughter, Olivia.
She was very close with all four of her children. A visit to her Victoria store, “The Cotton Club” would always include conversations about the lives and careers of her family. Dolly established her own silver jewellery and cotton clothing business, initially in Nanaimo, and then in Victoria, where she worked for the last 37 years. She was very knowledgeable regarding silver jewellery, and especially enjoyed interacting with the local First Nations artists. The Cotton Club was Dolly’s passion, and she was well known throughout the business community. She had a lively, fun personality in all her dealings with her customers and suppliers.
Dolly was a kind and compassionate person, especially to individuals and animals in need.
Dolly travelled extensively throughout South East Asia, Europe, Canada and the U.S. with her family and friends, successfully mixing business with pleasure. She was sharp-minded and spirited, and always up for a competitive game of cards with her friends and family.
A special thank you to the medical team of doctors, nurses, volunteers and support staff at the B.C. Cancer Agency and on VGH 6N for all the support and kindness extended to Dolly throughout her illness. The family also wish to thank the B.C. Ambulance Service and Father Dean Henderson.
Dolly received great solace through prayer and attending mass. At her request, a funeral Mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Parish, 4049 Gordon Head Road, Victoria, on Monday, September 18th at 1 pm, with light refreshments to follow.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
Ragnhild Flakstad
-
barb lowen Our heartfelt condolences are extended to all who knew and loved Dolly. What an inspirational lady!!!!
We will certainly miss visiting with Dolly in Victoria and Chemainus. We shared many good laughs and
stories. She was so proud and thankful for
her supportive family. There was not a visit that we did not hear about you all. Dolly purchased jewellery
and clothing from my husband and I over the last 20 years. She always enjoyed talking of her travels and
family. Working in her shop gave her such joy- meeting people from all walks of life, and being a wonderful
saleswoman. Her support of first nations artists will be missed as will those who just enjoyed stopping
in at Cotton Club to have a chat. May you find solace in knowing Dolly loved you all dearly. Her life was
full and she had so much to give to all. Best wishes, Tom and Barb Lowen
-
Bob Karagianis Barbara and Family,
When I read of your Mothers passing, I was saddened, my impression of her was that of a neat ,wise lady.
Bob Karagianis
-
Don and Chris McNeill Our condolences to the Bond family at this very sad time. We always enjoyed our visits to your mom’s store. Loved hearing her stories and getting Asia travel advise from her. She always spoke so proudly of her children and their partners. Dolly was such a lovely lady and an inspiration to us. We will miss her.
Don and Chris McNeill
-
Carol Attfield To the Bond Family: I was very sad to read that Dolly had passed away. I frequented Dolly’s shop often. I loved visiting with her – she was a great lady and we had many chats about everything really and she was always interested in what was going on with me. I will miss visiting her and her store very much. She was truly very special and unique. Condolences to all of you at this time.
Carol Attfield
-
Lisa Sherrah We are so sad to hear of Dolly’s passing. She will be greatly missed. She always had great stories to tell, so many I can’t remember them all. Her and Doreen had great laughs together, she will miss her very much. Lisa and John Sherrah and Doreen More.
-
Carolin McDonnell I met Dolly this summer when I stopped by her store. I was curious as I hadn’t been in the store for decades. We had a lovely chat and I left feeling like I had met someone very special. I am sorry to hear about Dolly’s passing but her family can be comforted that she certainly was a person that made friends out of strangers. I know I left her shop with a smile and the thought that I hope I have her energy and spirit if I am fortunate to live to her age.
Warmly,
Carolin
-
Debra Bell I was shocked to read of Dolly’s passing. I had occasion to shop at her store a couple of times and always enjoyed her unique customer service and her warmth.
She was very proud of her daughter Barbara and Bond Bonds Bread of course! My late brother Chris Bell, a member of the street community seemed to know One of Dollys sons who was a Victoria detective!
In a city where there is not much community feeling per se, Dolly and her shop seemed to just bubble quietly as a vibrant community and family oriented milieu.
She was very proud of her family.
My deepest condolences on the loss of your matriarch.
-
Alex Campbell Very sorry to hear about your loss. She was a very lively person.
-
Jane Lee So sad to read that Dolly has passed away. What a cheerful, friendly soul with many a tale of her lovely family.
I would tell friends and family to visit Dolly, at the Cotton Club, for all their silver jewellery and clothing, but to allow at least an hour to visit with her and hear her friendly chats.
Her native pieces, particularly the spirit beads, have been gifts from me around the world to my family.
My prayers and sympathy to all her family.
Sincerely
Jane Lee
-
Julie Johns I was saddened to hear of Dolly’s passing, she was a wonderful and beautiful person. I have frequented her store Cotton Club on numerous occasions and purchased a lot of beautiful jewelry for myself and others. She always engaged me in conversation and one of my fondest was when I told her I was going to Las Vegas with my sisters for the first time, she laughed when I told her I wasn’t a gambler and was only going to “waste” $20, she told me to come in and let her know if I won BIG! We only knew each other as Dolly and one of her customers but I felt I knew her all my life. I will miss her and our little chats.
Julie Johns
-
Barbara Landell I’m sad to hear of Dolly’s passing. My parents were friends of hers and her late husband Jack when we first moved to Canada and lived in Glenayre near Port Moody. My brother Scott and I played with her sons and daughter Barbara too.
She was a bright light-full of love, intelligence and enthusiasm. Although I did not frequent THE COTTON CLUB, I will miss knowing she is there when I drive by.
Much love to her family❤️
Barb Borge Landell
-
Natalie West Dolly – a wild spirited woman – I loved her❣️
She made a positive difference to many! My heart goes out to her dear family ❤️
-
Melrose Marsh Dolly was my first friendI made in Victoria. We travelled to Asia and had the time of our lives. I feel blessed knowing her. Her kindness,her sense of humor and her sense of adventure was what attracted me. She adopted my family and was like a grand mother to my girls. She was always making my husband laugh. They liked each other very much. On behalf of the Marshes I would like to sincerely offer my condolences. Dolly will surely be missed by us.
-
Melanie Baylis To the dear Bond family,
I am sorry to hear of the passing of your mum. I enjoyed popping into her store and chatting about ” life.” She was a fabulous and caring women . I will miss her terribly.
Your in my thoughts,
Melanie ❤️
-
Margaret O'Flaherty Dear Barb, Doug, Mike,John and all family members, my heartfelt condolences to you on the passing of Dolly. We were good friends going back close to 40 years; I was greatly saddened to hear of her passing and will miss her. Dolly was a damn fine person.
Take care, love each other and God bless.
-
Father William Hann My deepest condolences to the family of Dolly. I am in our shared homeland Newfoundland and will remember her at mass in Trinity this weekend. I am away on holiday but be assured of my prayers. Sacred to the memory.
Father William Hann
Pastor
Holy Cross parish
I was just thinking about Dolly recently and wanted to aknowlege her passing be it 5 years ago.I loved Dolly’s humour and great practical wisdom.
Thank you Dolly for being such a good friend and always caring about my family and goals.
Love Ragnhild Flakstad