It is not often that one finds such kindness and grace amidst hardship, yet Annabelle Bondar, a CJA 1962 Grade 6 alumna, shows that community is key to perseverance. Many years of Annabelle’s life have been dedicated to raising awareness of complementary cancer care and optimum health and wellness as an author, motivational speaker, and, in her words, “by bringing the community together to help others raise the bar on their health.” Annabelle is now 25 years cancer-free and continues to be a part of the Jewish community in Calgary.
CJA offered Annabelle the chance to spread her wings, which inspired her work throughout her life. She honours her mother with a memory from grade 2, on her first day back after her mother’s passing. A dedicated CJA teacher, Miss Zabel, called Annabelle to the front of the class and beautifully presented her with a set of Prismacolor pencil crayons. “Those beautiful colours continued to shape my life,” she shares, remembering fondly that CJA was not only a community, but a family.
Annabelle has lived a long and accomplished life. She has published two books raising awareness of complementary cancer care and was nominated twice for the RBC Women’s Trailblazer Award in 2010 and 2011. One of her personal favourite accomplishments was bringing in renowned Jewish cook and author of ‘HeartSmart ’-Bonnie Stern for two separate fundraisers, with some of the proceeds donated to Calgary Hadassah-Wizo.
It is truly special that Annabelle can share her love of life with others and express her passion for health so deeply, and her appreciation for the community that CJA fosters has only grown over the years. CJA’s annual Grandparents Day is a favourite for her as she appreciates being able to pass down the history and traditions of the Jewish community directly to the next generation. Annabelle and Mike Bondar were married for over 50 years; they had three children and four grandchildren, many of whom live in Calgary. Her children and grandchildren continue the generational link to the school, as some have attended and graduated from the CJA, and one is currently in Grade 8.
There were many fundamental values that Annabelle learned as a student at CJA. She shared that although the classes were small, there was still a strong sense of community within them. In her words, “It was a wonderful way of life; I learned to listen to other people’s stories and be grateful to live in a Jewish home.” With her deep family ties to the school, the CJA community will continue to be a home that welcomes her and her family for generations to come.