Bonnie Grace Wood (nee McMillen) age 91, passed away peacefully at Dryden Regional Health Centre, on Monday, March 2, 2026, with family by her side.
She was born on April 18,1934 to Russell and Margaret McMillen (nee Mason) in Fort Frances, Ontario, a sister to five brothers. She lived her early years at the Olive Mine, and Mine Centre, Ontario. On July 12, 1955, she married Carl Joseph Wood, in Fort Frances, Ontario.
For the next 70 years (and the work is still not done!) their focus was on raising their four children, Shiela, Janice, Terry, and Brent; living in Atikokan for 16 years, Ignace briefly, and then Dryden for the last 53 years. As the family multiplied so did their love to include daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In Dryden, they were dedicated members of Emmanual Baptist Church, prioritizing their faith and church community in their daily lives, bringing both faith and numerous talents to the church community.
Bonnie was a strong but gentle spirit. Her kind and generous approach was evidenced in all her relationships. Her wit and humour came at the most unexpected times often lighting up the moment. She led by example.
She was known for her endless creativity and talent. From a very early age she knit, crocheted, sewed, embroidered, cooked and baked. Throughout the years, she gardened, canned, woodworked, made cards, painted, captured family history in word and photos, just to mention a few. Not only did Mom make a house a home, she was also a key to building the house.
Bonnie’s kitchen was the focal point of their home where she loved to bake and cook large, fabulous meals for her family and friends.
Together Mom and Dad enjoyed travelling, camping, boating, and fishing. Time with family and friends were often at the centre of these activities. Some of there travels included trips to Portugal, Hawaii, Cuba, St. Martin, and the USA, all of which were memorable, and also with a friend or family focus.
Bonnie was predeceased by her parents, and brothers Earl Wayne (Wayne), Richard Lee (Dick), Joseph Arthur (Art), Robert Lynn (Bob), Ronald Allen, and Donald James; and most recently by her daughter-in-law Sue Wood.
She is survived by Carl, her husband of 70 years; her children, Shiela (Greg) Shaw, Janice Winik (Jeff), Terry (Lorna) Wood, Brent Wood; grandchildren Geoff Shaw (Brooke), Erinne (Josh) Wreggitt, Peter (Shari) Winik, Amber (Dale) Hughes, Kris (Kristina) Wood, Kyle (Trysta) Wood, Tyler Wood, Matthew Wood, Sarah Wood (Jordan); great grandchildren McKenna & Lily Wreggitt, Carson & Brooklyn Hughes, Dane and Korbin Wood, Ayleah and Jerett Wood; sister-in-law Sheila McMillen, Merle McMillen, Margaret Bogacki, and Ruth Wood, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Dryden Regional Health Centre for the care, compassion, and kindness to Mom and to our family.
Heartfelt thanks to Jim and Jackie Reid for their special friendship and unwavering support to Mom and Dad.
A Celebration of Life to honor this amazing woman we had the honour to call a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a friend will be held at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, Monday, March 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jake Letkeman officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dryden Regional Health Centre – Palliative Care Dept. PO Box 3003, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z6
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Josh says
March 6, 2026 at 2:12 pmMy deepest condolences to you and your family Carl we are thinking of you and your family through this difficult time
May God bless you abundantly with love
Elizabeth COULL says
March 7, 2026 at 10:01 amSENDING CONDOLENCES TO CARL AND ALL THE FAMILY . SORRY TO HEAR OF BONNIE”S PASSING
Abe & Leah Mullett says
March 7, 2026 at 2:48 pmCarl, I am very thankful we had a chance to visit at the hospital with Bonnie before leaving for our holiday, and met two of your lovely children too. So sorry for your loss. She will be truly missed by your side. We are very blessed to have shared so many years with you two as great friends 🧡
Jeanie Latimer(Morton) says
March 7, 2026 at 8:42 pmCarl , Sheila, Janice, Terry and Brent
So sorry for the loss of your wife and mother. Bonnie was one of a kind. Fond memories of visits in Ignace and Anton Road. Many years have passed but Bonnie will not be forgotten.
Paul and Charlene Syrduk says
March 9, 2026 at 9:15 amRemembering a sweet and gentle soul, dear cousin to my mother, Gratia Jean Alton.
Bonnie always had a smile and was truly caring; I have many lovely memories of her throughout the years and I am grateful that I was able to see her in 2021 at mom’s Memorial. Take care Carl, Shiela, Janice, Terry and Brent and extended family. She will be missed, but wonderful memories will sustain you.
May God Bless!
Warmly,
Charlene and Paul Syrduk
Angie Berrey says
March 10, 2026 at 5:20 pmOh Lorna and Terry, I am so sorry for you loss, hugs to you both and your family. She sounds like she was an incredible lady!
Lori Blair SANDERS says
March 19, 2026 at 12:07 amJanice ,,, my sincere sympthies at the loss of your Mom. Keep those great memories tucked tight in your heart, so you’ll always have them with you, as you navigate this sad time. Lori (Blair) Sanders