Bonita (Bonnie) Dykes

On April 9, 2026, at the age of 73, Bonita (Bonnie) Dykes of Orillia passed away peacefully at the Mariposa House Hospice after a remarkable love-filled and well-lived life. She was born on September 25, 1952 in Vancouver, BC to Clifford and Kathleen (Kackie) Olstead. Bonnie was the loving mother of Natalie Dykes and Kathleen Dykes, mother-in-law of Ian Grundy, doting Grandma of Spencer Dykes and Cameron Grundy, and beloved partner to Robert (Bob) Smith.

Bonnie grew up in Vancouver, and relished summer visits to see her cousins in Camrose, Alberta and days at the lake in Ma-Me-O beach. She was the first in her family to attend university - on a full scholarship, no less - graduating from UBC in 1974. She started her career as a dietician in Wainright, Alberta. Later, when moving to Ontario she took on roles in foodservice sales and marketing before becoming a successful entrepreneur and co-owner of Madison County Food and Beverage Company of Orillia, before her retirement in 2012.

Perhaps more than anything else, Bonnie was a fiercely loyal friend to many: childhood friends of 60+ years, cousins who were more like sisters, university friends with whom she shared a lifetime of adventures, or “newer” Orillia friendships built over the last 30 years. Bonnie was known to stick by her friends and was always up for an adventure, glass of wine or a walk. She was involved in running, investing, and book clubs (although the book frequently took a backseat to the themed dinner party) and enjoyed regular trips to Toronto with the theatre girls.

She had a passion for travel that budded when backpacking across Canada and through the South Pacific after university. Traveling the world with friends and family were some of the highlights of her life, including Baltic and Mediterranean cruises, a tour of New Zealand, road trips through France and Portugal, and so many more,

Bonnie handled adversity with the utmost bravery and grace, saying “it’s just a setback,” even in receiving her Parkinson’s diagnosis. She continued to pour her love and energy into her beloved family and friends and most recently her two beautiful grandsons in whom she truly delighted.

A celebration of life will be held at the Braestone Club on Saturday, April 18th from 2 - 5 p.m. All who knew her are invited to drop in, have a drink in her honour, and share fond memories.

Braestone Club

3000 Line 11 N, Hawkestone, ON L0L 1T0

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkinson’s Canada, Mariposa House Hospice, or Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital Foundation.