Bonnie J. Hahn

Bonnie Jean (Jourdan) Hahn, 85, of Evansville, passed away Thursday, September 13, 2012, at The Village of Hamilton Pointe, after an extended neurological illness that was similar to ALS. She was born to Celia (Wolf) and Frank Jourdan in Evansville on April 8, 1927.

Living through the great depression was especially difficult for Bonnie because her father died suddenly when she was 12. Bonnie, Celia and Bonnie’s brother, Jerry, struggled but survived through hard work and tenacity. In 1946 Bonnie met Robert Henry Hahn, a young man who served in the Coast Guard during the war, enlisting at age 17. They married in 1948. Following a short honeymoon and with only $1.00 to their name they made their home in Evansville until 1950 when they moved to Bloomington where Bob went to law school. In 1953, shortly before graduation, their daughter Susan was born. In 1956 they completed the family with the birth of Steve.

Bonnie supported the family financially throughout Bob’s educational years. After the children came, she stayed home to raise them while Bob joined and later became a principal in the law firm of Bamberger, Foreman, Oswald and Hahn. Bonnie was a planner, organizer and saver. She taught her family compassion and honesty by her example. Bonnie gave back to her community as a Girl Scout leader and by teaching adults to read for Regional Reading. She supported Bob as he became one of the best trial attorneys in the region. Bonnie and Bob were able to travel extensively as a result of Bob’s induction into the American College of Trial Lawyers. They enjoyed their travels immensely.

Our mother was kind, loving and extremely generous, especially to people who were ill and in need of compassionate company. She supported our beloved father and helped him realize his dreams. She helped us realize our dreams, too. Steve is an attorney and Susan is a Superior Court Judge.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, after 56 years of marriage; her parents; and her brother, Jerry.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Hahn (Victor Lara); son, Steven Hahn (Jan Hahn); her much beloved grandchildren, Jessica Hahn, Justin Hahn, Julian Lara, Jacob Lara (Kate); and one great-grandchild, Elena Maria Lara. Bonnie leaves behind many good friends, of particular note, her very dear friend, Samuel Clifford, and the best neighbors in the world, Jan and Ken Kraus. She also leaves her little dog, Nikki “aka” “Little Rikki” who was with her to the end.

Mother always said that her greatest joy and biggest compliment was the loving attention paid to her by her grandchildren. She was immensely proud of them all. One of her few regrets was that she wouldn’t live to know how they turned out and where they landed.

We will always miss Bonnie, but know that toward the end she felt the pull from loved ones already passed. She was ready to greet them and glad to finally move on to the next chapter where her earthly infirmities would no longer be so hard to bear.

Special thanks go to so many who helped care for Bonnie as her illness progressed: Cindy, Sherry, Janet, VNA and the kind people at Hamilton Pointe.

Services will be 1:30 PM Wednesday, September 19, 2012, at Alexander East Chapel, officiated by Rev. Mitch Giesleman, with burial in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends may visit Wednesday from 10:00 AM until service time at the funeral home. Rest well, Nana. Hug Rock for us.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that any donations go the charity of your choice as a way to honor Bonnie’s spirit of giving and generosity to those less fortunate. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.