Memories of Bonnie Maginn

Hello. Thank you to everyone who joined us on Bonnie's Virtual Celebration of Life. I appreciate everyone joining us to memorialize my sister, Bonnie's life. My name is Gail Lewis and I am her younger sister. Bonnie would have loved to see so many with us to celebrate her life.
Bonnie was born June 7, 1943 and turned 77 this past June. She had been having heart issues over the last couple of years and passed away Monday November 30, 2020 at Etobicoke General Hospital of a blood clot from her leg to the main artery to her heart.
Bonnie worked for the City of Toronto, Forestry Division (Etobicoke) for a lot of years & enjoyed acquiring an extensive knowledge of kinds of trees & their diseases, etc. Previously to that she had different office administration jobs in the place where her & our parents lived. Most memorable in my mind is Arrowhead Ranch in Craigleigh, Ontario where she often took her nieces & nephew horseback riding.
Bonnie spent a large portion of her life living with our Mother and Father. After our Father passed away in 1981, Bonnie enjoyed their joint faith as well as travelling & playing games with Mom. Bonnie was always there to help Mom until she passed away in 1989.
With five years between us, Bonnie and I didn’t have a lot in common. Bonnie would often say it was like our parents had 2 separate families, our brothers Morley who was 12 years older than her & Bruce who was 10 years older. Bonnie was often called upon to babysit her nieces and nephews when they were young as she chose to remain single: Morley's children Doreen, David and Douglas. Bruce's children Sandy, Linda, Freddie, & Karen. Gail's (my kids) Don & Sean.
As we all aged and I and my husband Ian moved north Bonnie often enjoyed spending her vacations visiting us. One weekend Bonnie & I spent Thanksgiving at Laurentian Lodge in Elliot Lake, enjoying the jetted hot tub in our room & nature. When I was having computer issues Bonnie was the first person I called. She often enjoyed playing online games with me. When young we both played in Women's Fastball leagues and she was always willing to play catch with her little sister.
Bonnie loved it when she moved to Richview Residence, where everything was close to home & she could help by volunteering in both the residence & the church. She also loved the Cafeteria as cooking and meal planning was not her forte. Bonnie hated to be dependent on others and loved to help people whether solving their computer/IT problems, or socializing or playing games in the cafeteria at Richview with other residents. She spent a large amount of her life volunteering at not only Richview but also at all the Churches she attended. She will be greatly missed by all.
In closing I'd like to thank a number of Bonnie's friends who have been a tremendous help to me over the last year, Johnathan Clarke, John Christoper and Ed McLean. God Bless you all. R.I.P. Bonnie we love you.
“Perhaps they are not stars but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones shines down to let us know they are happy.” -Author Unknown
-Gail Lewis (Sister)

I remember when visiting Grandma & Grandpa's house in Wasaga Beach, going out back to Aunt Bonnie & watching her 12” TV with her. Also she used to take us up to Arrowhead Ranch when she worked there to go swimming & horseback riding.
-Douglas Maginn (Nephew)

Star Trek, peanut brittle and God...the three most prevalent memories that come to mind whenever I think of Aunt Bonnie. Although we disagreed on two of them, we both shared the love of peanut brittle!!
As a child I spent many a weekend with Aunt Bonnie and Grandma, filled with great memories of games, Swiss Chalet and the endless challenge of trying to push Aunt Bonnie to the bottom of the pool as she floated vertically reading her romance novels!
As a troubled youth, she opened her door and heart to me to try to help in any way she could. Regardless of our views on life, she was there for me, without judgment, and I respect and thank her for that. It was apparent that she only wanted the best for me, and for everyone whose lives she touched.
Looking back I realize what a strong independent woman Aunt Bonnie was. She did things her way, never wavering from her morals and beliefs, and I respect that. A dedicated worker with a long successful career and a full time lover of her God and her church. She lived her life as she pleased, knowing what she liked and not letting outside judgment or peer pressure change her ways. We could all learn something from her strength.
Wherever this next journey takes you, may it be filled with happiness and love. Rest in peace Aunt Bonnie and know that you will be missed.
P.S. Say Hi to Grandma for me!
-Sean Barrett (Nephew)

I remember when we lived with Grandma and Grandpa in Toronto and we used to go downstairs to your apartment and play games and watch cartoons.
A memory I will have in my heart :
When a snowflake touches my face,
When a raindrop rolls down my face
You will always be the wind beneath my wings when I fall.
I know you are at peace now and are with Grandma , Grandpa, Uncle Morley and my Dad.
Rest in Peace Aunt Bonnie
-Linda Maginn (Niece)

Dad and Mom would go over to Grandpa and Grandma's house most every Friday night. While they were visiting I would go downstairs and visit with Bonnie. We would talk or watch television. I was ten years old at the time and I remember thinking what a great aunt she was for hanging out with me, rather than sending me upstairs.
-Doreen Anderson (Niece)

I have known Bonnie for approximately 9 years. She worked in the Baptist Church office for a long time and always tried to come up with jobs that volunteers could do, only so many jobs. She had one woman sorting screws and bolts according to size. This woman was honoured to help because it made her feel necessary.
As I recall, Bonnie was instrumental in getting a buzzer system installed for easier access from the Residence to the Church office and gym. Prior a key had to be obtained from the Richview Residence office.
As well as the office, Bonnie volunteered in the Food Bank as head intake manager and again had her faithful followers of volunteers, I was among her groupies.
She was instrumental in JOY (Just for Older Youth) Fellowship. Every other month, excluding the summer, the seniors were fed and entertained (for a nominal fee) in the Baptist Church activity room. I think the biggest group was 100 people.
Bingo had been discussed as a possible activity for the residents here but no one wanted to organize let alone run it. Baptist Bingo Bonnie met the challenge head on even though she had never played this game in her life.
I have so many fond memories and I know she has left a hole in my heart but I also know that she is with her Saviour. Her faith was very strong and supported her all her life.
-Marilyn Coombs

I am sorry for your loss. As Executive Director, my engagement with your sister Bonnie was mostly in her role as Secretary on our Board of Directors for the Richview Baptist Foundation. Bonnie joined our Board in 2014 and served as our Secretary. She was always passionate about advocating for the needs of our senior residents. She successfully advocated for the installation of an automatic door opener and camera system to allow for better access between the church and the residence. She was also a strong supporter of our dining program. Many are mourning the loss of Bonnie’s energy and enthusiasm for our residence and her faith.
-Jane Kuchma

Bonnie's face "glowed with the warmth of a friendly heart". She was quick to smile, and even quicker to offer to help. Her heart for people, for them to know her Saviour, was inspiring to me.
-Lori McMurray

You would never get far in a conversation with Bonnie without hearing her thankfulness for Jesus, and desire to have others know Him better. The prayer in her heart was always that she could make a difference through God's strength.
-Tyler Scarborough

Bonnie came to Richview as a tenant of the Residence. She had worked for the Department of Forestry before retiring. She was a dedicated assistant in the office, on the board of the Residence and JOY leader. Bonnie was a good Christian example to her peers; always giving and thinking of others. She will be greatly missed.
-Dawna Haywood

I got to know Bonnie during my first months as interim treasurer in 2019. She was a great help at the office, assisting me to find files and contact information, and holding back cheques to mail until I could get a good look at them. She always had a smile and a word of encouragement, and never let her handicap slow her down. She will surely be missed, even more so by those who knew her better. RIP Bonnie!
-Brian Hayes

Bonnie joined the Foundation Board in March 2015. She was our only Resident on the Board. It did not take her long to become the Board Secretary till March of this year. Bonnie was a strong supporter of the Residence Dining room. She was also our tree expert, giving advice in this area when needed. She also kept us up to date on the JOY Fellowship activities. I use to tease her about speeding in the Residence halls on her scooter. She was involved in everything that went on at the Residence. With Covid 19 her activities were reduced substantially. I spoke to her in September by phone and she spoke of her sister up north and the cartoons she had been watching. She stated she never had time for cartoons till now with Covid 19. I know she loved the Lord, we will miss her at the Foundation and we will miss her at church.
-Bob Dormer

I have known Bonnie since 1983. She was a good friend and a true believer of our Lord. Going on road trips was great fun. Bonnie could go anywhere and feel at home in any church she visited along the way. RIP my friend!
-Wendy Moore

When I began as the Transitional Lead Pastor, Bonnie was immediately helpful in so many ways getting me oriented to life at Richview. What became quickly evident was her vibrant faith in Christ and her passion for her fellow Seniors in the Residence. She had an amazing servant heart and was happiest when she was helping others. Organizing the Joy Fellowship and the Hymn Sing and then later, the Bingo gatherings, were all opportunities for her to connect and help people know that God loves them. She has left a great legacy and example. She will be deeply missed.
-Ed McLean

Bonnie retired from Forestry (Tree Protection and Plan Review) at the City of Toronto, Etobicoke York
district. She was always kind, gentle, wise, understanding and helpful. There are many worthy poetic tributes, but this one struck a chord with me:
There's a very special garden, where the trees of memory grow.
Nurtured by the kindness, and concern that good friends show.
The roots are cherished memories, of good times in the past.
The branches tender promises, that souls endure and last.
It's a place of peace and beauty, where bright new hopes can start,
It's memory's lovely garden that soothes the hurting heart.
-Peter Dmytrasz

Bonnie was one of the first people we’ve got to know at Richview more than five years ago. She welcomed us with an open and joyful heart, connected us with the people at the residence and was always ready to help. No matter the season - Bonnie has always brought much joy to the office. Her desire to serve the Lord was reflected both in her decision making and the way she treated others. Bonnie, thank you for being a great friend, role model and fellow staff-member. Knowing that you are with our Lord Jesus right know is our source of consolation. Walking alongside you has been a true pleasure.
-Mo & Joni

I came to know Bonnie after she started attending Richview church. She was very friendly and loved meeting new people. I really came to know her better when I was a fill-in custodian at the Residence. The custodians office was cold...not a comfortable place to eat lunch. Bonnie invited me to eat in her apartment, warm and cozy with awesome company!!! We had wonderful conversations!! We got to know each other better.
As per the other tributes, Bonnie was a people person. She thought of others before herself. So when I found out Bonnie was in St. Joe's (a couple years ago) by herself, I dropped everything and stayed with her until she was released. Then I had the privilege to drive her home.
I will very much miss Bonnie Maginn. She was a true friend and a sister in Christ. I know where she now.....do you? In this I rejoice!!!
-John Christopher

Bonnie was one of the most joyful people I've known. Her love for Jesus was her motivation and was written all over everything she did. One memory that sticks out to me the most was her example of prayer and generosity. She told me one day that when she was praying, she felt that God wanted her to share her car with someone since she only used it on an occasional basis. Her heart to obey God and bless others never ceases to spur me on to love God and people more.
-Rebecca Richards

Have known Bonnie just a few years. In that short we laughed so much. Sometimes I would go to the dining room for lunch and didn’t know many people at first. There she was with a big smile. I used to be a parish secretary and though I was Catholic, we found a lot of stories to share and laugh. As one Franciscan priest used to say to me “if I don’t see you again on this side, I’ll see you on the other side”. So Bonnie, see you on the other side!
-Barbara LeFort

The going home of Bonnie is a great loss to me. With the hymn sing, she would sing the hymns with such great enthusiasm and with a raised hand singing from the bottom of her heart these beautiful hymns, and now she's singing with the angels of heaven. Thank you Bonnie for your leadership. You will be greatly missed not just by me but by all the people that enjoy the hymn sing.
-Randy Redlich

Bonnie was always a teacher and a mentor for many in Forestry. Always happy to share her knowledge and expertise. She had a very good sense of humor and always held her faith in situations.
R.I.P. Bonnie.
-Iris Di Carlantonio

Bonnie and I would chat about a lot but what was so clear to me was her passion for the people living in the residence. She always had them on her mind and considered her work on the Foundation Board, her Bingo games, and the help she offered for those struggling with technology, part of her outreach. She wanted to share the love of Jesus with everyone. I will miss you Bonnie but take comfort in knowing you are in Glory!
-Kate Widgery

Bonnie's middle name could have been Joy. Many fond memories of meals in the dining room of the residence listening to the joyful stories of opportunities to share Jesus and serve others. Always delivered with a smile and a chuckle. All will miss her, but we are assured of her salvation and Bonnie celebrating entering the gates of heaven with the saints that have gone before.
-Lois Tullo

Bonnie demonstrated joy in her scooter, ready to serve others and even when she was suffering she still wanted to serve. I remember how Pastor Joe picked up her groceries for her and how delighted she was.
I liked her smile and often saw her raise her hands in worship at the back of the church. Good service to others and to God.
-Karen Attrell

We met Bonnie in 2015 at Richview and she always had a joyful spirit. Bonnie made others feel at home when volunteering with the food bank ministry. She will be deeply missed and remembered fondly for her generosity, quick wit and Christian faith.
-Edelyne & Jon

I will treasure Bonnie's sweet smile, and the way she always radiated her love and joy in Jesus. When we spoke together, her loving attention to me, was as if I was the only person in the room. Thank you Abba Father for the gift of Bonnie!
-Beverley Howard