Obituary of Ethel Bonell
Ethel Bonell nee Irwin
July 6, 1926 to August 9, 2026
Having just celebrated her 100th birthday, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, passed peacefully in her sleep on August 9, 2026. She was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, John Douglas Bonell, parents Albert and Ethel Irwin, and brothers Bert and Bill Irwin. Mother to Bob, John (Karen), Laura Duffy, Janet Scharfe (Hal), and Mary Carman (Don). Grandmother to Natalie (Danny) Lefebvre, Michael Duffy, Matthew Scharfe, Kevin (Jenni) Scharfe, Christal (Aaron) Veleke, and great-grandmother to Sarah Lefebvre. Devoted and loyal to family and friends.
She was known for her kind and sweet personality, patience, commitment to fairness, and eagerness to laugh. She was always grateful for the life she was given. Growing up in Princeton, BC, she was a female champion downhill skier winning the western Canadian and central Canadian ski championships. She graduated from Vancouver General as an R.N. Always full of adventure, she travelled with her life-long best friend Maysie to Cuba, Europe and Ottawa, where she met the love of her life. She spent the rest of her life in the Arnprior area, raising her family and supporting her husband’s demanding surgical career.
As our mother, she encouraged outside play and sport, adventure, and welcomed our friends. We often heard “be good” or “do whatever your little heart desires.” She believed in giving to community including volunteering with the Arnprior Hospital Auxiliary. She really enjoyed teaching the “kiddy wids” skiing at Calabogie Peaks. She skied and golfed well into her 80’s.
She will be greatly missed by the Irwin and Bonell nieces, nephews and friends, especially her life-long friend, Maysie Mehling. Many thanks to the great care she received at Arnprior’s Island View and Almonte Country Haven, with special appreciation to Lee, Shannon, and Christine.
Ethel's arrangements have been entrusted to the Boyce Funeral Home Ltd., 138 Daniel Street N., Arnprior. A Private Family Interment will be held at Arnprior Malloch Road Cemetery.
In memory of Ethel, a donation may be made to the Arnprior Regional Health Foundation.
