07/09/2025
Obituary of Bonnie Lynn Yates
Bonnie Lynn Yates passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025. She was born November 12, 1944 in Chicoutimi Quebec. The oldest child and only daughter of the late Jessie and Bill Yates. Bonnie spent most of her 80 years happily living in Sarnia and Bright's Grove.
Throughout her life, our Mother worked many jobs and made friends easily. She loved people and had a keen sense of style. Mum carried herself with class and dignity through all of life's ups and downs and she instilled resilience in all of us.
First and foremost, Mum was a homemaker. Family was always the focus of her time, energy and attention. She kept herself busy cooking, cleaning, decorating, healing, entertaining, counselling and comforting. Mum was a giver and she taught us all a masterclass in that. Her legacy will live on in the kind and humble hearts she nurtured.
Bonnie exemplified the extraordinary, while living what appeared to be an ordinary life. Mum gave everything she had until her last breath. We will forever be grateful that she loved us and we'll miss her everyday.
Bonnie will be dearly missed by her son; Chris (Teena) Burley, Daughter; Sherryl Burley Marcoux. Grandchildren; Jacob (Rebecca), Yazmine (Jake), Hayden (Chantal), Zander (Alysia), Gavin, Quinlan and Declan. Brother; Carl (Christine) Yates. Sister-in-law; Mary Lou McMahon. Nephews & Nieces; Jeff (Shannon) & Jon (Carly) Yates, Shaun (Tammy) Burley, Steven (Janine) McMahon & Shelby (Dan) Wilkins and the late Shannon (Shane) Burley. Special Friends; Steve (Marilyn) Burley, Margaret Overton and Pam Steele. Predeceased by Jon, Stuart, Linda, Irene and Lloyd Burley.
We are grateful for the exceptional care our Mother received over the last year and a half. Special Thanks to staff at Bayshore particularly Blaine, Mel and Edith, Bluewater Health Palliative Care Staff; especially the care of Dr. Kim, Dr. McSweeney, Dr Al, Dr. Crombeen and Dr. Lilly. Thank you Pam, Christine, Lauren, Scott, Shawn, Carrie, Judy, Rachael, Abby, Mike, Irene and everyone else at St. Joseph's Hospice who made a very difficult time in our lives a little more bearable.
Thank you to Dale and the McKenzie & Blundy staff. A private funeral for Bonnie will take place later this month.
As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to the Sarnia & District Humane Society, 131 Exmouth St., Sarnia, N7T 7W8. Messages of condolence & memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com.