Dorothy Mildred Bonell

Our beautiful mother left us on January 8, 2026 just a week away from her 103rd birthday.

Dorothy is reunited with her beloved husband Robert Sr. with whom she spent 75 happy years before he passed away in 2021. Left to mourn the loss of our cherished mother is Robert Jr., Thomas (Patricia) and Mary Claire Wood (David). She was predeceased by her youngest son Christopher (late Norma Jean Rowan). She was the dearly loved Nana of Mary Lynn Teris (Gary), Kelly Bonell, Sarah Bonell, Christopher Wood (Kaitlyn), Jillian Wood and Jennifer Boyle (Tim). Grandmother of Brian Bonell. Dearest great grandmother of Brian Bonell (Cristin Judge), Silas Bonell, Brody and Coen Wood. GG Grandmother of Scarlett, Teagan and Kendall Bonell.

From a large and loving Italian family, mom was the last living child of Assunta and Gabriel "Charlie" DeSimon. Her late siblings were Clara Venturi (Joe), Faustina "Fritzi" Vernelli (Dan), Adeline Prisco (Neil), Alice Orazietti (Primo), Frank "Bud" DeSimon (Algesa), Henry DeSimon and Joyce Milligan (Corwin). Sister-in-law of the late Zita Penrice (Wilfred), Kenneth "Biff" Bonnell (June) and Bill Bonnell (Bonnie Miller). Survived by her brother-in-law Corwin Milligan of Brimley Michigan, sister-in-law Bonnie Miller and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

As a participant of the Oral History of Sault Ste. Marie Project, mom was proud to share the stories of her family, her Italian heritage and the early days of the Sault's west end. Mom was an avid golfer, with a powerful drive having golfed her last game at the age of 95. She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed trying new hobbies and crafts. Happiest when she was being creative mom knitted, crocheted, made beautiful porcelain dolls and, later in life, enjoyed water colour painting. We will always remember her as a wonderful cook, an excellent baker and a loving mother and grandmother who made our home a warm and happy place. She was also a lifetime member of the C.W.L. at Precious Blood Cathedral.

We would like to thank the amazing dedicated staff of the Echo Bay Unit at Extendicare Maple View for the exceptional care they provided to our mother, especially in the past few weeks.

As per Dorothy's request, friends and family are invited to visit Precious Blood Cathedral on Wednesday January 14, 2026 for a Funeral Mass in her honour at 11:00 am led by Father Jeff Shannon. A reception will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations (made payable by cheque or online) to St. Vincent's Place would be greatly appreciated by the family. Please visit www.arthurfuneralhome.com obituaries section to leave a message of condolence as a keepsake for the family.

"But behind all your stories is always your mother's story, because hers is where yours begins." - Mitch Albom, For one More Day