Bonnie Carolyn Brya, age 81, passed into eternal rest peacefully on September 14, 2026, surrounded by her immediate family. Born December 12, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan to Russell & Florence Purchase, Bonnie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
Raised in Fowlerville, Michigan, Bonnie graduated from Fowlerville High School in 1963. She attended Lansing Community College for three years and earned an associates degree as a dental assistant.
On July 23, 1966, she married the love of her life, Gary, and together they celebrated their 60th anniversary with family earlier this summer. After raising four children, she worked for three dentists in the Lansing area, creating a special bond by providing compassionate care with all her patients.
Bonnie was very active in the community with cooperative preschool, many church activities, and DeWitt Public Schools programs. She was an excellent seamstress, baked many beautiful cakes for family and friends, and enjoyed working with ceramics. She loved her family and the countless gatherings for her delicious meals.
She is survived by her husband Gary and children Dennis (Michele), Gregory (Angela), Jennifer Reyburn (Michael) and Michael (Kelly), thirteen grandchildren Lily, Hayden, Lauren (Thomas), Alexa (Nathan), Olivia, Jacob, Jacqueline, Gabriella, Molly, Brody, Kade (Lauren), Jace, Karah, and one great-grandchild Cedric.
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Basil, Bethel, Benson, and Beverly.
Visitation gathering will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 p.m., with a rosary at 7:30 p.m. at the Catholic Community of St. Jude, 801 N. Bridge Street, DeWitt, MI 48820. There will be no visitation at the funeral home.
The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 11 am. The family will greet friends on Friday beginning at 10 am until the Mass. A graveside service will be at the DeWitt Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tri-County Office on Aging Meals on Wheels, 5303 S. Cedar Street, Lansing, MI 48911 Or the Catholic Community of St. Jude, 801 N. Bridge Street, DeWitt, MI 48820 (please find links below).
