Bonnie Ruth Winn (BR)
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Bonnie Ruth (BR) Winn on May 13, 2021, in Spruce Grove, Alberta, after a courageous battle with leukemia. We are grateful to have had the blessing of granting her wish to be at home, surrounded by loved ones, giving her strength and support through smiles and song.
Bonnie (née Walters) was born on January 13, 1948 in Edmonton, Alberta and was lovingly raised by her mother Muriel (née Wright) and her stepfather Gordon Knowlton. Growing up, Bonnie was passionate about music, singing and dancing - and her feisty, outgoing spirit made her a natural on stage.
After graduating from Ross Sheppard High School, she juggled ballet class, band practices and books, attending the University of Alberta and receiving a combined Bachelor of Arts and Education degree. Following a few years of teaching junior high in the Edmonton area, Bonnie settled in the community of Spruce Grove, where she then taught for decades at Spruce Grove Composite High School.
Bonnie’s life and gift for teaching allowed her to intertwine her heart with children and youth too numerous to count. From community and church classrooms, to music and drama productions, her spunk and sass made her an unforgettable influence on many.
Most of all, she will be remembered for her greatest work, the lessons she taught in her own home. Bonnie was a fiercely dedicated mother to her five children. Family came first and was above all else. Not without her own quiet and personal battles, she was kind and brave and her family was blessed to benefit from her ever constant thirst for knowledge and her unconditional love.
Bonnie will enjoy a happy and harmony filled reunion with those family members who have gone before her, particularly her parents. She is survived by her loving children, her four daughters - Lindsay (Glen) Eklund, Tricia (Nathan) Piepgrass, Sarah (Gordon) Marshall, Rachel Winn - and her one son TJ (Brittany) Winn. Also mourning her loss are her brother Ron (Liz) Knowlton, her sister Teddie (Mark) Fussell, her former husband Ted Winn, her many extended family members including cousins, nieces and nephews, and her cherished friends. Most importantly, “Grandma Boney” leaves behind a legacy of love with her 12 grandchildren, one great grandchild, and her grand puppies - all of which “love her most!”
We express our thanks to the many medical professionals and blood donors who have helped sustain her and make her life comfortable over these last several months. We pay special tribute to her youngest daughter, Rachel, who was her constant companion and caregiver throughout her illness - a priceless sacrifice that we will ever be grateful for.
Due to Covid restrictions and as per Bonnie’s request, no formal service will be held. At a later date, a private family celebration of life will allow us to laugh and love together and remember the wonderful woman that she was. Until then, condolences, memories and photos are welcome and encouraged on her Facebook page so we can unite in reflection. Bonnie’s family would like to suggest that, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in her honor to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, the Canadian Blood Services, a local community theatre or music organization, or to an animal humane society of your choice.
For now, we smile as we think of the trouble our “spitfire” might be getting into, and with a song in our heart, we look forward to the day when we will be together again.
Sending love and hugs to you all. May there be so much laughter and smiles as you each share your favourite stories and memories of such a kind, loving and strong woman. Bonnie will be missed. xoxo
Lots of love to you all, Tanice
On behalf of the Eklund family, we send our thanks for your love and best wishes Tanice!
I meant to say “on behalf of all the Winn family” – the Eklunds are just a small part of those who will miss our Mother! Thank you again Tanice!
My condolences to Bonnie’s family and friends. Bonnie is now in the arms of Our Savior Jesus Christ and with Our Heavenly Father who has been waiting for her to come home. Bonnie, I’m sure is part of the Heavenly choir singing praises and hymns. Bonnie will truly be missed. She is one of a kind. Until we meet again. 💕😊
So terribly sorry for the passing of Bonnie Ruth!! May she Rest In Peace ! Hugs to all !
Gail (Wright) Mcleod 🌹
Thank you so much Gail for your condolences! We have appreciated all the support from family and friends.
The Winn family
Thank you Aunt Sally – we love the thought that she is singing loudly up there! Love from the entire Winn family.
My condolences to you and your family, Lindsay. I still remember your Mom’s spirit and the kindness and support she always showed me while we were growing up. I am so sorry for your loss. I know she will be dearly missed.
Thank you Carmen. I know that you too, are mourning the loss of a dear mother and friend. They leave such an impact on our lives – forever and always!
Sending so much love to Bonnie’s Family at this sad time. Bonnie and I had been friends in the early ‘70’s as we both had boyfriends in a band called Family Portrait. We spent many hours together as friends, united in music, dance, sewing and sharing our loneliness when the Band was on the road. We reconnected in 2017 after losing touch for over 40 years. I’m so sad that this rekindled friendship is gone so fast. Rest in Love and Peace sweet Bonnie<3
Thank you for your kind words and memories. On behalf of the Winn family, we appreciate your thoughts!
Music really is the universal language of love, isn’t it!
My cousin Bonnie Ruth was a kind, lively soul whose presence enriched my life. As long as my mother and her brother Gordon were both alive, family gatherings were fairly frequent. In later years our paths only usually crossed a time or two a year in the summer when we both found ourselves at our family cabins on Lake Wabamun. She always reminded me of her mother, as they both shared a lively sense of humour and a great capacity to express affection and warmth. I will miss her! My deepest condolences to all those who will feel most deeply the hole left by her irrepressible spirit!
The lake will always have so many special memories for all of us. Thank you so much for your thoughts, and your condolences and best wishes. She did indeed have an irrepressible spirit!
Bonnie was a dear friend and mentor to me when I was a young teacher at SGCH 45 years. We managed to keep in touch over the years despite my living at the other end of the province. In packing up my home for a permanent move to BC yesterday I ran across one of her letters and a beautiful baby quilt she made for my daughter decades ago. Her sense of humour and fun was contagious and my heart goes out to all her family. They are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you for your kind wishes and condolences. It is wonderful that you have some keepsakes to remember Mom by, and fond memories! Her personality definitely was contagious! Thank you again from the Winn family.