Bonnie Matthews

In Loving Memory of Bonnie Matthews (née Pickett) February 5, 1952 – October 28, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Bonnie Matthews, who closed her eyes for eternal rest on October 28th, 2026 in Pickering, ON.

Bonnie was born on beautiful Fair Island, NL on February 5th, 1952, and moved to Centreville at the tender age of 5. She began her family at an early age in Hare Bay, NL, where she dedicated her life to the people she loved most. Family was everything to her, and she worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone was taken care of. Her love, strength, and devotion to her family were at the heart of everything she did. Her claim to fame was her homemade bread. People would come for miles just for a slice. Friends of her children would drop by long after the kids moved out, just for a taste of her homemade bread. During her children’s teen years, her house was the communal home. Every friend was welcomed and there were often impromptu sleepovers with everyone knowing they would have to do a chore in the morning. But no one cared; her home was one of love and acceptance.

Bonnie was well known throughout her community as the “Avon Lady”. Her gift of gab made her a friend to all. She took great pride in her work and was always among the top representatives, earning the annual President’s Club Mrs. Albee Award for her dedication and sales leadership for 16 continuous years. The figurines she received for this award became more than just a collection; they represented years of hard work, dedication, and pride. She recently gifted each of her grandchildren a figurine, leaving them with a special keepsake to remember her by and a little piece of her legacy to treasure forever. She was always full of life and energy. She had a way of making the most of life’s simple pleasures and creating special moments with the people around her. There were always challenges in her life and she always found a way to persevere. In times of struggle, she found comfort and support amongst friends, especially her soul sister Janine.

Later in life, Bonnie moved to Paradise, NL, where she began spending her summers at the White Pine trailer park. There, she continued to embrace life, meeting new friends and building treasured friendships along the way, including her very special friends Ted & Lorraine. Whether surrounded by family, enjoying a game of cards, dancing, walking around the park to sell raffle tickets, or relaxing by the fire with friends, she knew how to enjoy life and make memories that would last a lifetime.

Bonnie’s life was defined by her love for her family, her lively spirit, and the many friendships she formed along the way. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories, countless stories, and a legacy of love that will continue through the generations who were fortunate enough to know her.

Bonnie leaves behind her three loving children, Robin (Christine), Lynn (Darrin), and Crystal (Rob), who will forever cherish the love and memories they shared with their mother. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Amanda, Amy, Rebecca, Hayley, Mackenzie, Macy and Ryan and her precious great-grandson, Charlie, who brought her another generation of love and joy.

Also left to mourn are her brothers, Lemuel Pickett, Jonas (Olive) Pickett, Stanley (Iris) Pickett, and Seymour Pickett (Denise); her sisters, Mildred (Rick) Schewchuk, Rowena Sylvester (Lorne), and Hilda (Junior) Hodder; her sisters-in-law, Adelaide, Lillian, Mary and Emily; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many special friends who held a place in her heart. Bonnie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Eric Matthews; her parents, Thomas and Margaret (Anstey) Pickett; her brothers, Robert John Pickett, Malcolm Pickett, Silas Pickett and Gerry Pickett; and her sisters, Rebecca (Ronald) Hewitt and Priscilla (Gary) Taylor.

Though Bonnie will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. Through the stories shared, the laughter remembered, the traditions carried on, and the keepsakes she lovingly passed down, a part of Bonnie will always remain.

A sincere thank you to the Doctors and Nurses at Lakeridge Ajax Pickering hospital for their kindness and support.

A memorial service to celebrate Bonnie’s life will be held on Sunday, November 22nd at 1pm in the chapel at McEachnie Funeral Home, located at 28 Old Kingston Road, Ajax, ON L1T 2Z7. Following the service, a reception will be held at the McEachnie Family Centre located adjacent to the funeral home.