Bonnie Jean (Rothwell) Willis

Bonnie Willis, born on February 1, 1948, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the family farm south of Austin, Manitoba.

Bonnie lived in Argyle, Manitoba on the family farm until she was 18 then moved to Winnipeg to complete her nursing degree.

Bonnie married Arthur Willis on February 24, 1968, in Stonewall, Manitoba.  They went on to build a family with the birth of their first child Darwin Leigh in 1968 and Jody Marie in 1971.  They led rich lives that included softball, snowmobiling, curling, camping and canoeing, and attending social events in the communities of, Dryden, Ignace, Whitemouth, Brandon and finally in Arizona, Manitoba where they purchased a small hobby farm.

Bonnie later met her special friend Errol Bredin who she shared a home with for more than 20 years. Together they created special memories of camping, fishing and hiking, often with Bonnie’s oldest grandchild Carter.

Bonnie had a passion for looking after friends and family, her animals and her gardens.  She enjoyed travelling and her visits with seniors in the area while she was providing footcare. She was known for her enthusiastic cheering while watching her grandchildren play hockey and soccer, her strong work ethic, independence and compassionate nature leaving a lasting impression on those who knew her.

She was an advocate for others as demonstrated by her role as a union steward and as an exceptional caregiver for her husband Art for more than 30 years following an accident.

She spent her final years in Arizona, south of Austin Manitoba, where she was an active member of the community as a nurse in Carberry and MacGregor, homecare nurse, board member for Sprucedale Industries, Arizona Hall committee member, and Sidney cemetery member. She particularly enjoyed volunteering at the Thresherman’s reunion Lion’s canteen. Bonnie found joy in the serenity of her farm, her friends and her family.

Bonnie is survived by special friend Errol Bredin, son Darwin (Tammy) and daughter Jody (Mark), grandchildren, Carter (Tiah), Parker, Colton and Alyssa and by sisters, Maureen (Jim) Malcolm and Heather (Garry) Kowalski.

She was predeceased by her husband Arthur Willis, parents Ellen and Henry Rothwell, and brother, Wayne (Diane) Rothwell.

A Celebration of Bonnie’s life will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 2:00 pm in the Austin Community Hall with Sharon Hamilton officiating.  Reception to follow.   

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations could be made to the Austin Fire Department, (make payable to the Municipality of North Norfolk), Box 190, MacGregor, MB, R0H 0R0 office@northnorfolk.ca or to Sprucedale Industries Inc., Box 225, Austin, MB, R0H 0C0 spruce@mymts.net.

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