Virginia Mary Bono

Virginia Mary Bono, 93, of Leawood, KS passed away peacefully on March 14, 2022, surrounded by her family. Her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation on which she led her life. Though she was tiny in stature, she had a personality as big as a giant, and love for the Lord just as fierce.

The youngest of three, she was born on February 2, 1929, in Chicago, IL to Stephen and Helen Janus. Growing up, she worked at her father’s grocery store scooping penny ice cream. Her giving heart was evident from a young age, as she always made sure to add a little extra to her friend’s ice cream cones. She met her husband of 50 years, Louis (Bud), at the butcher counter in Chicago, where Bud worked part-time while studying to be a Doctor of Optometry. They married at St. Wenceslaus Church in Chicago, and shortly thereafter moved to Kansas City where Bud began to practice his profession. Ginnie worked as a secretary at the Folgers Coffee Company until their first child, Greg, was born.

Even while raising 6 children (Greg, Jim, Ken, Pam, Mary Lou, and Amy), she was a tireless volunteer in the Catholic community. She served as the President of the Rockhurst Mother’s Club. She was President of the St. Joseph Hospital Auxiliary, where she also volunteered for 25 years. She was an active and devoted member of Ladies of Charity. She dedicated her time to the Serra Club and Support our Seminarians. She and Bud were founding members of Curé of Ars Catholic Church and Church of the Nativity where they both served on numerous committees. In 1997, Ginnie and Bud shared a great honor when they were invested as a Lady and Knight of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre.

Ginnie was the Matriarch of the family, hosting many events including birthdays, baby showers, wedding showers and holiday gatherings for her family and friends. Somehow Ginnie still had time to play tennis and golf. She was a regular at the bridge table and loved cheering on her Royals. She showed her love though food and was always cooking and baking. Even though she was Polish, she made the best Italian food. Her sugu was like liquid gold! The memories of making manicotti and ravioli with her, are memories that her kids and grandkids will cherish forever. Ginnie was a fabulous baker and was known for her pies. When Ginnie made a bundt cake, Bud would steal a slice and push it back together hoping she wouldn’t notice! It was a given, that whenever Ginnie brought a cake or a pie, she would shake her head while she put it on the table, and we would all laugh at the small piece that was missing.

Ginnie and Bud were avid travelers going on numerous trips around the world. Together, they were able to visit every continent, except for Antarctica. From an African Safari, to their 50th wedding anniversary trip with the whole family, in Cabo San Lucas, they were always ready to experience a new destination.

Thank you to all of the multiple caregivers, who loved our Gigi, like their own, and made her smile. Their love and support through these last years have been a true gift from God.

Ginnie was preceded in death by her husband, Louis, sons Gregory and James, her brother, Joseph and sister, Evelyn.

She will forever be loved by her children and their spouses, Emily Bono, Ken (Peg), Pam (Hugh) Cowan, Mary Lou (John) Ryan, and Amy (Scott) Cornell. Gigi’s legacy will live on through her grandchildren, Erika (Brian) Lindshield, Jennifer Bono, James Bono, Anna Bono, Virginia Bono, Mary Clare Bono, Katie (Lewis) Milbry, Chad Cowan, Drew (Daven) Cowan, Alex (Abigail) Cowan, Ashley Ryan, John Ryan, Jr., Scottie (Jean) Cornell and Kate (Nick) Maese as well as great grandchildren, Nicholas, Lauren, Henry, Patrick, Charlie, Bella, Harry, Caroline, Nora, Gracie, Lucy, and Billy.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 18th at Church of the Nativity (3800 West 119th Street, Leawood, KS 66209) with the Rosary beginning at 9:15am. Visitation to follow, with the funeral Mass beginning at 11am. Interment following the Mass will be held at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery (8300 Quivira Road, Lenexa, KS 66215).

In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions to Support our Seminarians (Conception Seminary College - 37174 State Highway VV PO Box 502, Conception MO 64433). The funeral Mass will be live streamed at www.kcnativity.org at 11am.