Bobak was born on Lulu Island and spent her childhood in Vancouver, B.C. She enlisted in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps in 1942. While posted to the United Kingdom, she met a fellow war artist, Bruno Bobak, who would become her spouse in 1945.

Bobak captured military training, still lifes and flowers in her paintings. Her vibrant crowd scenes, including parades and marches, would become her signature work.

Bobak took great inspiration in painting Remembrance Day gatherings after the war. According to Alan Klinkhoff Gallery, Remembrance Day (1) was conceived on the front steps of the Klinkhoff family’s original gallery location, Galerie Walter Klinkhoff in Montreal.

Here, Bobak captures the patriotic colours and pageantry of The Black Watch, Canada’s Royal Highland Regiment, the R.C.M.P., the Van Doos (Royal 22nd Regiment), navy cadets and war veterans. The march took place on Remembrance Day circa 1983 in front of Montreal’s United Services Club.