On June 12th to the 13th, I’ll be doing the Relay for Life in honour of Mom. The Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature event where teams walk around a track and camp out during a 24 hour period. I did the event with my friend’s team 3 years ago when mom was diagnosed, and I’m doing it again this year.

Please feel free to check out my page by clicking here and sponsor me.

We’ve been meaning to write you ever since David called us the morning of your Mum’s passing. We think about her and bring her up in conversation very often. She was fun, a fantastic dancer, and she gave so much to others. Not just to you two and to your Dad but to her friends and she made friends easily and well. She was a giver. She never needed to be the star but was always willing to help other people be stars. Rick loved to have her as his kitchen companion as she helped him be the star chef. I once painted a faux rug on a floor in Sunapee; she tirelessly cut thousands of tiny pieces of painters tape so that I could have this wonderful floor. And she was interested in what you did. I remember that rug. She saw the error in my pattern before the paint went down and we could correct. She was always happy to help other people succeed at something. She was a star-maker. We miss her. – Rick and Jane

As I stepped out the front door of the house this morning I was initially daunted by the cluttered, leafy yard and the amount of work it’s going to take getting the property ship shape for the memorial weekend.

Then a flash of yellow caught my eye and I noticed for the first time that Mom’s favorite patch of flowers had grown back all by themselves – as if Mom had been tending to her garden since the first thaw.

If you haven’t already, please leave a personal Bonnie memory or contribute more photos to the gallery. Thanks to everyone who has already sent photos and you can now see that the collection has been updated accordingly. Looking forward to seeing everyone on May 16th.

Bonnie was the all-time favorite mother of any of my friends and she will be deeply missed. I have so many great memories from spending time at your home, and your Mother was a huge part of what made the Pye household such a comfortable place for me. How can you not love a woman who always had a smile on her face and wonderful snacks to share, no matter what form of stupidity her children and their friends got into? Your family was a much needed counter-point to the circus that was my house; I honestly don’t know what I would have done without the Pye family… Besides, if it wasn’t for Bonnie, I would not have the deep and abiding love for grilled cheese sandwiches as well as Salt & Vinegar and Dill Pickle chips that I have today. - Jason Thelen

Bonnie was a classmate of mine from high school. She was one of those friends who created fond memories of those fun times. Although I hadn’t seen Bonnie in many years she was often thought of when I recalled the many parties that we held in my rec room. - Earl Robinson

My husband Bob and I have known your mom since the late ’80s when we met through Jane and Rick. Bonnie and I shared a love of childhood education and talked often about Montessori schools and the problems and joys of teaching young children. Our three girls all went to Montessori and we had fun comparing notes and experiences. She graciously offered their Hong Kong apartment to our daughter, Joanne, when they were going on home leave the summer of 1995, I think, and Joanne was making the brave decision to move there without a job or place to live, Having the apartment to live in (she took care of the cats, so Bonnie was thrilled), gave Joanne a home and sense of place when she was uprooting and making such a big change in her life. (She still lives there and I know she spoke with Bonnie a week or so ago.) As parents, Bob and I are forever grateful for your mom and dad’s generosity.- Penny & Bob Schmitt

I would like to share my experience and feelings about your very special mother. I was very lucky to meet Bonnie and Gordon when they moved to Hong Kong. We worked very closely in the Woodland Montessori Caine Rd before she transferred to the Repulse Bay school. Bonnie shared and transferred her passion of children and teaching to everyone she met. I know because of her I am who am as a teacher and supervisor because of her openness to teach. I know she always felt that she should not have been in that position(she had that I am not good enough at times) however she was superb. To make it even more special and memorable your mother gave a lot of her teaching materials and files to me which have been well used and I will continue to do so with fond memories. Not only professionally did I know Bonnie also as a very special friend, I loved spending time with her, she had her points of view and was forthright at times not only with your dad also bosses and friends. I also know her biggest passion and love where you and David.

Martin and I will always remember our trip to Boston where your mum and Gordon where great hosts and tour guide. Also we stayed with your Grandmother in Canada because of your mother’s generosity and kindness.

Over the years we kept in touch through emails and phone call with their travels and adventures and building of their house and their many adventures.

There is always a special place in my heart for Bonnie, may she rest in peace. - Eileen & Martin Haskins

Your parents and the two of us (and our other Newcomers friends) had some very good times, not only in MA where we met, but also in Singapore and Hong Kong. Bonnie will be missed by some many people. I am glad to have known her. - Dave & Gunilla

Bonnie was a very special lady, and as you both know, we had shared some very pleasant times with both of your parents. You have all been through so much over the past few years. - Bill & Brenda Wallace

She was a wonderful woman and I am so glad that I had a chance to get to know her. I genuinely loved our visits when she came into Kingston (although I wish that they had been for other circumstances) and I am really happy that I was able to see her last week… it was lovely to sit, chat, and laugh a little! - Ellie Smith

Your mom was an amazing woman who I enjoyed spending time with which is a large compliment considering she’s the only one of my friend’s mothers I can say that about! - Scott Jackson

Bonnie and Gordon came to Leeza’s Place for love and support when they lived in Florida. Your mom attended many of our caregiver support groups to help her with Gordon. Bonnie is such a bright and shining example of what a true caregiver, mom, and friend should be. She held her head up so high even in the worst of times. She never failed to express how much she loved each member of her family. - Sue Coates

I have many funny,  fond memories of time spent with both Bonnie and Gord. I think of when you and Janet were babies in both Burlington and Manotick . I remember your mom’s clothing parties and our games of bridge with the “girls”. We also had great barbecues (with many glasses of wine) and spent great days on the boat. For many years, my visits to family in Ottawa included a side trip to see your mom and dad. – Diana Zimmer

I have many great memories of your Mother over many, many years.

You know how you can tell about people when you meet them?  What their character is?  Whether or not you can respect them? Well, the first time your father introduced us, I knew that Bonnie could be a sister that I never had.  She was a warm and wonderful person who would always include me and Uncle Heinz in her life when she could.

Your Mother certainly lived her life in a very large way.  Living in and travelling to many different places.  Experiencing life in ways that many do not have the opportunity to do…..some people can only dream about it.  Unfortunately, this meant that we would have fleeting meetings, short visits, and infrequent talks, from sometimes great distances, but in spite of that, I always felt included.  I know that Uncle Heinz feels the same way.

Your Mother was a very strong person and she will be with you when you need her most. – Susan Bowinkelmann

It is hard to believe, and it is hard to think positively that perhaps it was for the best – I am shocked and in mourning, as the world has lost a wonderful woman! Bonnie was a friend to so many, and I’m sure I only am aware of a limited number of her friendships. I count her friendship as the best I have had, as she always had time for me, no matter where the two of us were living. We owned a piece of each other’s heart. – Kathy Spiess

Your Mom was a warm, loyal friend  and I shall miss our walks, chats and mini visits.  She has been through so much in the last few years and she deserved a stress free time to enjoy her home.  We had some fun times with your parents since they moved to the lake, celebrating close anniversaries,  dinners and golf tournaments.  – Steve and Judy Guest