Obituary of Bonnie Janet Bakelaar (nee Askes)

It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of Bonnie Janet Bakelaar (nee Askes), beloved wife, mother, Nana Bo, sister, aunt, and friend. 

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Donald Bakelaar, and by her children, Janine Rodriguez (Arturo), Stefany Bakelaar (Shiv Harrilal), Kendra Bakelaar (Samuel Wilson), Kyle Bakelaar (Anne Spence), Calvin Bakelaar (Brooklin Holbrough), and Jonas Bakelaar (Yamna Fatmah), her grandchildren Aria and Lyon Rodriguez, and her three future grand babies, all of whom loved her dearly. She will also be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her siblings, Don's siblings, many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Bonnie was deeply loved and will be remembered fondly for her strength, her genuine love and acceptance of everyone she met, her unwavering love for her family and mantra to always show up for those you love, and her strong faith in God.

A Celebration of Life for Bonnie Bakelaar will be held at Listowel Bethel Christian Reformed Church, 345 Elizabeth St E, Listowel, ON, on Thursday, February 12th, 2026 at 11:00am. Family and friends are invited to gather to share memories, reflect, and honour a life lived to the fullest but gone too soon. There will be a light lunch and some of Bonnie’s favourite card games set up in the fellowship hall following the service for all who wish to gather and share memories.

The service will also be live streamed at the link below: www.bethelcrc.com

Flowers are gratefully accepted. If you wish, donations may be made to Listowel Christian School in Bonnie’s honour.