Bonnie Leyton (née Averbach)
March 22, 1940 to August 25, 2026
Obituary
A potter, a painter, a loving joy-maker, Bonnie Leyton, a major force in Newfoundland’s rich world of art and craft, died peacefully at home in St. John’s, NL at age 86. She leaves behind her much-loved siblings, Leanne (Thom) and Gary (Penny); sons, Marco (Katie) and Jack; grandson, Mark; great-grand-daughters, Charlie and Callie-Ann; and a large community of artists and craftspeople whose careers and lives she helped build first through The Saltbox, a groundbreaking store in the 1970s and 80s, and then the Leyton Gallery of Fine Art. Her fabulous fashion sense was celebrated in St. John’s newspapers. Her unique joie de vivre was celebrated everywhere. On August 30, a private family service will be held in Vancouver, followed, no doubt, by many of her favorite things: cheese and cheesecake, steak and wine, hugs and stories told deep into the night. To send a message of condolence, please visit www.carnells.com.
We are saddened to learn that Bonnie has departed from this world. She was an amazing woman who will be sorely missed by the arts community and beyond. Her and Elliott’s Christmastime parties were the highlight of the year. Her portrait of Mary will always remind us of what a creative force she was. Our hearts go out to her family.
Eastern Edge artist-run centre will always remember how generous Bonnie was with her time, energy and creativity. She has participated in many members’ exhibitions and dedicated her time as a valued board member, steering this organization to where it is today. Her focus on community, excitement for visual art, and dedication to making was an inspiration to us all, and she will never be forgotten.
Bonnie was an absolute Queen. and a complete uplifter of things. When I was developing a fledgling fundraiser for Kids Eat Smart Foundation, she not only validated the idea, she threw plates that other artists – Kevin Major, Joan Blackmore Thistle, Anita Singh, Charlie Pride (yes, that Charlie Pride!), painted or wrote on for auction. She was wonderful.
My condolences to Bonnie family and friends. I lived across the hall from Bonnie at Kenny’s Pond Retirement residence. She was always wanting to be on the go. So now she will be flying with the angels.
Bonnie was a bright spark – a gifted artist, cheerful, generous, gracious, and lots of fun. She’ll be missed. My condolences to Marco, Jack, Leanne and the rest of the family.
We were very sorry to hear of Bonnie,s passing.
.She will always be remembered for the great support that she gave to the art community, especially to-those who were just starting their careers. Her gallery was a great addition to the downtown.
Sincerely.
for
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My condolences to family and friends you’re in my thoughts at this time
It is with a deeply saddened heart that I say goodbye to Bonnie. Caring for her was more than just a responsibility—it was a privilege and a meaningful part of my life. During the time I spent with her, I came to appreciate her strength, her uniqueness, and the little moments that made her special.
I will always remember the time we shared, the conversations, the smiles, and even the quiet moments. Bonnie touched my heart in a way that I will carry with me for years to come.
Although my role was to care for Bonnie, she also taught me the true meaning of compassion, patience, kindness, and human connection. Her memory will remain with me, and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to be part of her journey.
Rest peacefully, Bonnie. You will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever held in my heart. May your family find comfort in the beautiful memories you left behind. 🕊️🤍
Serifat Ganiu
RCA (KP)
Please accept our heartfelt condolences to Leanne, Thom, and the family on the passing of your sister Bonnie. We are very sorry to hear this sad news. Bonnie led such a wonderful and generous life. Our deepest sympathy to her family, friends and community.
Chris, Mo and Leslie
My sincere condolences to Marco and Jack on the passing of your mom. She was a bright spirit whose warmth, generosity and vitality will be missed by all us of who knew her.
Leanne and Family – My condolences. I remember with pride Human/Nature, an exhibition of contemporary Irish art that Bonnie and I co-curated for MuN Art Gallery around 1995, reflecting post-Troubles innovative, evocative artmakiing in Ireland’s North and South. Shows in her own gallery played an important role in introducing young Newfoundland artists. And I remembers encounters with Bonnie, always seeing first her radiant smile, then checking her feet for the chic and colourful footwear of the day. Her vitality is missed.
Leanne and Family – My condolences. I remember with pride Human/Nature, an exhibition of contemporary Irish art that Bonnie and I co-curated for MuN Art Gallery around 1995, reflecting post-Troubles innovative, evocative artmakiing in Ireland’s North and South. The shows in her own gallery played an important role in introducing young Newfoundland artists. And I remembers encounters with Bonnie, always seeing first her radiant smile, then checking her feet for the chic and colourful footwear of the day. Her vitality is missed.
My favourite pieces of art were sculpted and fired by this amazing artist. A treasure has left the lot of us to mourn such a loss. Peace and Blessings be upon her.
We are so sorry to hear this sad niews. Bonnie was a remarkable lady. who will be fondly remembered by so many people. Sending our sincere condolences and wishes for peace to all of her family and close friends.
My deepest condolences on the passing of Bonnie. She made a tremendous contribution to the arts community and to individual artists alike, helping launch the careers of so many young artists along the way. She was a bright, positive, often funny presence, warm and generous in a way that will be deeply missed and long remembered.
Deepest sympathy to Bonnie’s family, and Micheal and Tia Connolly
On behalf of the Executive and membership of the Central NL. Visual Arts Society (CNVAS), we want to express our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of Bonnie,. She was an tremendous supporter and promoter of the visual arts in NL.
Rest in peace Bonnie,till we all meet again
I’m so sorry to hear of Bonnie’s passing , she was a bright light, full of energy and warmth. I’m so grateful for knowing her and all her kindness to us at the Leyton Gallery all these years. Thank you Bonnie, you are forever remembered and appreciated .Rest peacefully beautiful lady .♥️
Louise Sutton
To Bonnie’s family, our deepest sympathies on your loss. Bonnie was one of the loveliest people we have ever met. We will always remember her warmth, humour, and beauty. RIP Bonnie.
deepest sympathy to Bonnies family and her friends in Art. She was always a great supporter of the emierging Artists in Nfld.Lab And her support and Gallery was often the launching pad for some of our most successful painters May you rest in Peace Bonnie
Bonnie was a breath of fresh air! Always a smile and good conversation.. Her art works and pottery show
casing the beautiful side of her for all too see!
It was a pleasure to have known her and your father.
Sincerely,
Myra (Spurrell Gallery)
So sorry to hear of Bonnie’s passing. My sincere condolences to Mraco, Jack, and all of the family.
When I look at your art I think of the colorful beauty of our friendship.
My deepest condolences to Bonnie’s family and friends. I will never forget my studio visit with her where I discovered her unforgettable and distinct art. Thank you Bonnie for your support of Newfoundland and Labrador’s artistic community throughout the years.
So sorry to hear of Bonnie’s passing ,sending you all hugs. We spent a lot of time with your mom and Dad in the past and know how much they meant to you all and will be missed , they were truly great people .
Deepest condolences to Marco, family and friends. Bonnie leaves her mark and legacy with her support of so many artists in Newfoundland and Labrador and across the country. Thank you for everything.
Bonnie was an amazing and talented woman — a wonderful potter and painter, an amazing cook, and with a fabulous sense of style all her own. Our lovely dinners and time together will be kept in our hearts forever. We were so lucky to have met you Bonnie. You enriched our lives.Every time I look at your sculpture I think of you.
Rest in peace dear Bonnie.
Jennifer Murray
Bonnie was an aamazing supporter of the visual arts here as welll as an accomplished artist . Also a fine person. We will miss her and her contributions to the visual arts here.
Bonnie was so open and accepting, demonstrative, supportive, outspoken and generous. She also laughed a lot. She has had an enormous influence on our art and artists.
So sorry to hear of Bonnie,s passing. She was one of the earliest supporters of emerging artists in Nfld and a wonderful Potter as well Rest in Peace. Bonnie Alice.
High heeled walks on the Georgian Bay rocks, followed by a glass of red in the middle of the afternoon. Oh, how she will be missed!
Much love to Marco and all the Leyton family and friends at this sad time. Always hard to say goodbye, but hoping you find comfort in how she gave the world such colour and creative expression! She certainly made huge contributions to the local arts scene. Rest peacefully Bonnie!
Rest peacefully sweet lady
Bonnie was a personal friend while we lived in St. John’s. She was joyful, lively, and enthusiastic, and was always so incredibly positive about everything. She helped us to discover artists we may not have otherwise encountered and provided a venue for St. John’s musicians, especially during the many wonderful openings at her gallery. She will be missed. Our most sincere condolences!
Magical Bonnie – I was fortunate to get to know you. I’m sure that Elliot is rejoicing to have you by his side again. May your spirit soar and know that your artistic light will shine on in everyone that you have touched!
Condolences to her family
Such a profound loss for the arts in NL and Canada. My deepest condolences to her family, friends and the community at large.
To the beautiful person of Bonnie, who always found a way forward to support all who were creative. From her fabulous fashion to her vision of style in all art forms, I thank you for your kind service to our community. Condolences to her family.
Karen Pottle
My sincere condolences to Bonnie’s family. I met Bonnie in the early 90’s and always found her positivity so wonderful. She was indeed a lovely gentle woman and will be missed and remembered by many.
Regina Best (retired Co-ordinator of the Provincial Arts and Letters Awards)
A caring soul. A thought-full artist. A fearless creative spirit. RIP Bonnie
My heartfelt condolences to Bonnie’s family and friends. She will be greatly missed. We were colleagues in our support of the arts in this community and no doubt that she left her mark..
Jack, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mother was amazing. My earliest memories of her were at your house – best mom ever! And the time she took us berry-picking in Cape St. Francis wearing high heels and a miniskirt. She was unequivocally not like the other moms…. And her warmth and welcoming nature made us always feel at home.
I hope your memories of her will be a comfort to you and to all your family. She will be missed. Take care.
I am so sorry to learn of Bonnie’s passing. I hope the wave of condolences from the community helps ease the pain of her loss for Marco and other family members. My love to you all.
Mark and Family .
Thank you for sharing this tiny but mighty Ray of Light and Love with us in Newfoundland for so many years! Your Bonnie became our Bonnie and her gifts of Joy and laughter were shared freely with any who crossed her path in life or work. Being utterly talentless, I was in awe of Bonnie: she indulged me with both tales and tangible artifacts of her vision. Her gallery was a safe and welcoming place that celebrated all the beauty of humanity just as Bonnie herself did . One of my favourite pieces is of the series of the men on the bench that she also recreated in pottery .Every child who enters my home is captivated by what we call “The Guys”. To me it’s classic Bonnie – the men reminiscent of Elliott and John McN and Bonnie’s vision of them at their finest, doing what they did best -talking! I shall
Smile even brighter now when I feast my eyes on it. Again, thank you for sharing her with us and then bringing her back home with you .and her beloved Elliott . God Bless you all. Colleen
Oh my. What a very sad article to read this beautiful morning. Maybe Bonnie had a little something to do with the brilliant sunshine. Another wonderful person from our vibrant arts community has left us and we feel the loss. Bonnie was so very important adding to this Province through her work. Friendly, engaging, talented, driven and always a pleasure to run into. I will smile when I look at one of her watercolours in my home. Thank you Bonnie for everything you did to make our community that much nicer. My condolences to her family and friends especially her son Marco who was an old MUN classmate of mine.
My deepest condolences. Bonnie made a tremendous contribution to the arts community and to individual artists alike. She will be missed, and she will long be remembered.
Bonnie helped to launch the careers of so many young artists. She was a bright, positive and often funny sprite. Safe travels Bonnie.
Deepest sympathy to Bonnie’s family. Her warm and generous presence will be missed.
Bonnie was a fabulous neighbour, dedicated entrepreneur and truly interested in art and artists. She helped so many get their start in the arts. She will be missed. My condolences to her family.
Prayers with the family today and every day forward.
Oh goodness, Bonnie was such a light. I can hear her now delightedly discussing a piece of art. I’ve missed seeing her the last few years. I have a puppet of hers that was gifted me, I’ve always thought it was a self portrait, I will sit her somewhere with a view now. My condolences.
So sorry to hear this sad news. It was always a joy to chat with her. Thinking of her family and friends.
Bonnie you made my arrival in St John’s so much brighter. So much love to family and friends and all the artists she held dearly in her heart.
My sincere condolences, Marco, Katie and family. A bright and generous light has moved on.
To the Leyton family please accept our sincere condolences. May she rest in peace. Francis & Elizabeth Keating.
Sending condolences from The Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador Board and Staff.
So sorry to hear of Bonnie’s passing. She always brightened a room and was so kind and generous. A true builder and supporter of our vibrant creative community. She will be very missed.
So sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Leyton. . As a young child I remember she made a tray of candy apples for Halloween for the neighbourhood kids, but you had to arrive early to get one. As a teenager many of us spent time at their house while Jack and his friends played music. Rest in peace Mrs. Leyton, condolences to her family and friends.
Bonnie was so bright, sweet, fashionable, creative, and generous. Bonnie supported my art and took me on as one of her gallery artists back in 2016 – something I am deeply grateful for. I worked at The Leyton Gallery for a bit too, it was always fun to get ready for exhibition openings with Bonnie and Tia.
Bonnie will be missed. I echo the condolences of others and am sending big love to Bonnie’s family and friends from here in Montréal, QC.
I only met Bonnie once but the sweetness of her personality shine through. Listening to Leanne speak about her over the years created an image of an artist with a kind soul.
My deepest condolences to the entire family and the friends she left behind.
Bonnie was such a vibrant beautiful soul. She was an inspiration and mentor that enriched my life, always curious with so much encouragment and support. 🌺
Marco and Katie ,
Sending you both much love. May her memory be a blessing.
Tom and Paul
Washington DC
Deepest Sympathy to all of Bonnie’s family, friends and artists she loved and supported. Thankful to be part of her gallery. Her legacy will inspire and live on. Andrea Pottyondy
As a young artist just a few years out of school, Bonnie was kind enough to invite me to exhibit at her gallery. I’m so grateful for her generosity and support throughout the years and I hope she is at peace.