MARION BONNIE (BONNER) SELLS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARION BONNIE (BONNER) SELLS

(nee MALEY)

January 8, 1939 - March 16, 2024

Mom left us peacefully on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the age 85, with her husband Robert Morrison and many loving family members at her side, having lived a full and rich life.

Bonnie was predeceased by her beloved parents, George and Margaret Maley, and her late husband Patrick Sells. She is survived by her sons, Greg (Brenda), Glenn (Vanessa), her daughter Janice, and her two granddaughters, Sarah and Natalie (Sylvie), who were the light of her life.

Bonnie was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan before moving to Winnipeg at a young age. She graduated from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate in 1957, where as a member of the cheer-leading team and participant in a variety of sports and activities, her fiercely competitive spirit had already materialized. As was a theme throughout her life, Bonnie made numerous friendships in her grade and high school years, many which have endured to this day.

Bonnie continued her love of sports throughout her adult life, in particular tennis, which was one of her great passions and talents. She was a long-time member of the Taylor Tennis Club and when not playing there, spent her summers tearing up the courts at Falcon Lake with countless contemporaries who were such a big part of her life. Remarkably, and with little fanfare, Bonnie continued to play the game she loved until she was 79, a testament to the will and determination she demonstrated throughout her life. She loved the outdoors and her many summers at Falcon Lake, where she graciously hosted so many friends and family over the years. Bonnie loved to travel and was happiest in warm weather, with bright sunshine and water in view.

After a number of years working for the Canadian Pacific Railway, Bonnie began raising a family and was a remarkable, if not legendary, mom to her sons, Greg and Glenn, and daughter Janice. She dedicated her life to her children, providing unwavering support to us in everything we did. She never missed a game, concert or event, and could always be heard loudly cheering both us and our teammates on, no matter what the score. Most importantly Bonnie loved all her children’s friends just as much as her own, to her they were all her sons and daughters. Whether it was making them far too much food, consoling them through personal challenges, or being the first one they called when banging up their parent’s car or landing in the arms of the law, Bonnie was a mom to so many and left a legacy of love and respect.

Bonnie leaves a remarkable cast of friends and acquaintances, far too many to name. Other than time with her family, Bonnie loved to be in the company of her friends, who she proudly boasted came from all walks of life and backgrounds. She cared for everyone she met, and often unheralded, did countless kind and generous deeds for people around her. Whether making meals for people in their most difficult time, volunteering her time to support those in need, or helping her friends and family when she herself was struggling with health challenges, she became an example of selflessness and poise that should serve as an inspiration for us all.

Bonnie turned a new chapter of her life in 2017, when she married Bob Morrison, and as the leading light of his life, was immediately welcomed into her new family. She enjoyed her regular visits with Kathy, Cliff, Scott and the many members of the Morrison family, and formed a particularly close bond with granddaughters, Sheridan and McKenzie, who loved her dearly, embracing her humour and positive outlook on life. Bonnie looked forward to her annual trek to Arizona each winter as a “snow bird” with Bob, and as was always the case, made many friends in Mesa where she became a formidable tennis, ping pong or playing card challenger to all comers. She had a very strong faith, and after many years as a member of the Windsor Park United Church, joined Bob as part of the St. Aiden’s Anglican Church congregation where she was graciously welcomed and ultimately formed a strong connection with many there.

Of all those she loved and enjoyed around her, none were more important to her than her precious granddaughters, Sarah and Natalie. No matter what she was doing, who she was talking to, or where she was, they were always in her thoughts. The girls were so fortunate to have Nana take care of them in their pre-school years, and help guide them down the magnificent road they have been on, blanketing them with love, wisdom and caring.

We will miss her terribly….

A special thanks to the amazing staff of CancerCare Manitoba and the countless medical practitioners who treated Bonnie through her battle with cancer over the last number of years. The care she received was provided with such dignity, grace and professionalism that it will be difficult for us to fully repay our gratitude.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held later this year. In lieu of flowers, a donation to CancerCare Manitoba or a charity of your choice in Bonnie's memory would be welcome.

Tributes: www.thomsoninthepark.com

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 23, 2024, Mar 23, 2024