Remembering Bonnie Gwendolyn Gillespie

Gillespie, Bonnie Gwendolyn, age 78, formally of Coldwater Ontario passed away at her home Wednesday January 20, 2021. Bonnie is survived by her loving husband, Ardell, and daughter Melanie, and her family (Owen) and, granddaughters Shanelle, Kirsten, (Mikayla) and (Bailey). Bonnie was born to Kenneth Crook and Doris Augusta Parnham at Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital 1942. Bonnie’s sibling, “older and only” sister Catherine MacDonald is predeceased. Ardell and Bonnie started their farm Bondell Highland Acres in 1963. Cattle were always a constant on the farm. For a short period of time, they farmed pigs and sheep. Approximately ten years later Bonnie came home with her first Nubian goat, transported in the back seat of a yellow Volkswagen Beetle. This was the beginning of a new adventure. With hard work and many learning curves their goat herd grew to eighty does. Bonnie and Ardell shared their passion and knowledge for goat farming with many new comers to the industry. Bonnie was the President of the Ontario Dairy Goat Association, and she was a judge at the local goat shows. Bonnie loved tending to her perennial flower and vegetable gardens. Canning, preserving and preparing home cooked meals. Many family and friends will remember the smell of freshly baked bread upon entering the kitchen. It was a treat to be offered a buttered slice with a cup of tea or coffee, and, if lucky, be sent home with a loaf. Bonnie was very close to her daughter Melanie, and loved being “Nana”. She was a very large part of Shanelle and Kirsten’s developing years, and will be missed dearly. The cremation has already taken place and internment will take place this summer with close family and friends. Donations in Bonnie’s memory may be made to the Soldiers Memorial Hospital. Arrangements entrusted to the Doolittle Chapel of Carson Funeral Homes, 54 Coldwater St. E., Orillia, (705) 326-3595.