On April 9, 2026, at the age of 73, Bonita (Bonnie) Dykes of Orillia passed away peacefully at the Mariposa House Hospice after a life filled with love and meaningful experiences. She was born on September 25, 1952 in Vancouver, BC to Clifford and Kathleen (Kackie) Olstead. Bonnie was a devoted mother to Natalie Dykes and Kathleen Dykes, a caring mother-in-law to Ian Grundy, a proud Grandma to Spencer Dykes and Cameron Grundy, and a loving partner to Robert (Bob) Smith.
Bonnie grew up in Vancouver and loved spending summers visiting her cousins in Camrose, Alberta and enjoying days at the lake in Ma-Me-O beach. She made her family proud by being the first to attend university – on a full scholarship no less – graduating from UBC in 1974. She began her career as a dietician in Wainright, Alberta. Later on, after moving to Ontario, she took roles in foodservice sales and marketing before becoming an entrepreneur as co-owner of Madison County Food and Beverage Company of Orillia until she retired in 2012.
More than anything else, Bonnie was a fiercely loyal friend: childhood pals for over 60 years, cousins who felt like sisters, university friends with whom she shared countless adventures, or “newer” friendships formed in Orillia over the last three decades. Bonnie always stood by her friends and loved going on adventures together over wine or walks. She was active in running clubs as well as investing groups and book clubs (though often the book would take second place to themed dinner parties) and enjoyed frequent trips to Toronto with her theatre friends.
Her passion for travel sparked during backpacking trips across Canada and through the South Pacific after university. Adventures around the globe with friends and family created lasting memories for her- including cruises through the Baltic Sea and Mediterranean Sea, tours of New Zealand, road trips across France and Portugal among many others.
Bonnie faced challenges with incredible courage and grace; she would say “it’s just a setback,” even when diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. She continued pouring her love into her cherished family and friends- especially her two grandsons who brought her so much joy.
A celebration of life will be held at the Braestone Club on Saturday, April 18th from 2 – 5 p. m. Everyone who knew her is welcome to come by for a drink in her memory while sharing fond stories.
Braestone Club
3000 Line 11 N, Hawkestone, ON L0L 1T0
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Parkinson’s Canada, Mariposa House Hospice or Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital Foundation.
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