Bonnie Tooley

Bonnie lived an incredible life filled with love. Although her life was much too short, in her time here she touched the lives of many people. She will be remembered fondly by all, never forgotten. Bonnie was born Tuesday, July 22, 1958 into the loving family of Marion and John McMillan and their three children, Isabel, Eunice and Robert. Bonnie was the baby of the family. She spent her years growing up on their family farm in Arnprior, Ontario, until she met Terry and they were engaged and lived in a small apartment. Terry and Bonnie were married July 8, 1978 in Arnprior, surrounded by their friends and family and then honeymooned in Niagara Falls and New York City. Terry had a few transfers with work before they settled in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Shortly after their union they spent a few years there, where they were blessed with the birth of their first child Krista, on November 15, 1984. A few years later Terry was transferred to The Pas where they had planned to only reside for a few years. While in The Pas, Bonnie worked at Home Hardware making many friends in both co-workers and customers. On June 28, 1989 Bonnie, Terry and Krista welcomed Jennifer into their family. A few weeks after Terry was transferred again this time to Parry Sound, Ontario. Bonnie did not go with Terry right away as she chose to stay in The Pas for a little while longer with the kids. She joined Terry out there later that year. They spent less than a year there and returned to The Pas again to become entrepreneurs investing in and opening new businesses. It wasn't long until they settled down and The Pas started to feel more like home to them. Many years ago Bonnie ran a small confectionary and novelty store in the Otineka Mall. This is where many of her relationships began with the merchants and customers who knew and loved her. Terry and Bonnie invested in the community and before long they had a plethora of friends. They were widely known throughout the area. Bonnie and Terry built a beautiful home for their family in the R.M. of Kelsey and moved in 1994. May 10, 1995 they completed their happy family with their baby boy Trevor. They spent many happy years together in their home making memories and taking small family trips together. Bonnie was selfless and happiest when the people around her were looked after and were happy. She always ensured that her children and husband never went without anything that they needed or wanted. In 2000, Terry and Bonnie purchased "The Burger Ranch" where Bonnie worked countless hours preparing food, serving customers, and cleaning. Bonnie loved her job, it was in her nature although it was hectic and often wore her thin. It was what she wanted to be doing and she did a phenomenal job. Her connection to the people she was surrounded with was indescribable. She often referred to "the constantly swinging door" of the Burger Ranch where countless people would stop in to see her. Whether it was just to say hi and have a small chat or to confide in her some of their life troubles. Bonnie was a source of strength for so many people, offering an ear, a shoulder or advice if necessary. She would never turn anyone away. She was widely known as either "The Burger Ranch Lady" or "Mrs. Tee", both titles which she was proud of despite her joking at times. Bonnie was overcome with joy June 28, 2012 when she was rewarded the title of “Granny”, when her one and only grandchild, Thomas John (TJ) was born. Any day following that she spent adoring him, spending countless hours bonding with him. She would often refer to him as the light of her life and she was the light of his as well. Bonnie passed away peacefully at her home in the R.M. of Kelsey early in the morning of Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at the age of 56 years. Bonnie's passing was sudden and unexpected, however her humor, quick-wit, warm heart, strength and loving nature will always be remembered by all those who knew her. Bonnie is pre-deceased by her mother and father Marion and John McMillan; sister Isabel Storie; father-in-law Glendon Tooley. Bonnie is survived by her loving husband Terry; children Krista (Devin), Jennifer and Trevor; grandson Thomas John; mother-in-law Gloria (Karol) Sasek; sister Eunice (Doug) Guillemette; brother Robert (Marilyn) McMillan; nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. In keeping with family wishes, cremation took place and a service of remembrance to celebrate Bonnie’s life was held Saturday, January 31, 2015, 11:00 am, at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall, The Pas, Manitoba with James Hemauer presiding. Memories of the Heart were shared by Krista Stewart, Eunice Guillemette and Jennifer Tooley. Honorary Pallbearers were Thomas John “TJ” Tooley, Glen “Spud” Burrell, Warren Hicks, Ian Henderson, James Tarasiuk, Terry Belhumeur, Robert Hayward, Doug Guillemette. Immediately following the service, a reception was held for family and friends at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall. A private family interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, family wish a donation be made in honor of Bonnie, to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3L 0K6, or the Canadian Diabetes Association, 200-310 Broadway, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 0S6. Bonnie's family would like to send a gracious thank you to The Pas EMS, The Pas RCMP detachment and Hemauer Funeral Home for your quick response, assistance and support given to the family while handling Bonnie's passing.