OBITUARY
Romona Helen Bonner
August 20, 1937 – April 1, 2017
Romona Bonner, loving wife and mother, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2017, from complications of vasculitis, having survived a 2005 metastatic pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
Romona was born and raised in Chicago, IL, where she attended St. Ann's High School and St. Mary of Nazareth Nursing School. After acquiring her credential, she worked as a visiting nurse in the south side of Chicago, and as an industrial nurse at International Harvester. She attended night classes at DePaul University, ultimately earning her Bachelor's degree in nursing, and served as an Intensive Care Unit nurse at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago. She also worked as a public health nurse in Seattle, WA, and in Fresno, CA, where she volunteered to provide immunizations to school children and conducted a puppet show on personal hygiene in the 1970s.
Romona married John T. Bonner, M.D. in 1964, at St. Pancratius Church in Chicago. Deeply committed to her Catholic faith, Romona recited the Rosary daily, with yearly Novenas to St. Ann. Upon having children, Romona eventually became a homemaker. A devoted wife and doting mother, Romona knew how to make occasions special, whether they were holidays, birthdays or events involving family and friends.
Romona loved to cook and entertain. She especially enjoyed her 'Gourmet Group' of friends which met several times a year for theme dinners over a period of some 40 years. She also appreciated music, attending the Fresno Philharmonic Symphony and musical theater shows. We will always remember her smile.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Helen and John Guzowski of Chicago, IL; and in-laws, Thomas and Isobel Bonner of Butte, MT. Romona is survived by her husband of 52 years, John T. Bonner, M.D.; children, Kerry Lynn, Cheryl and David; and her furry canine companion, Liesl, a German Shorthaired Pointer.
Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., followed by a Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Romona's name to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PANCAN); the Vasculitis Foundation; the Poverello House of Fresno, CA; the Missionary Oblates of Belleville, IL; or Mount Angel Abbey of St. Benedict, Oregon.
May the soul of Romona, and that of all the faithful departed, rest in peace.
Services
- Visitation Tuesday, April 11, 2017
- Recitation of the Holy Rosary Tuesday, April 11, 2017
- Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday, April 12, 2017
REMEMBERING
Romona Helen Bonner
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RECEIVE UPDATESClark Johnson
April 17, 2017
My brother Carey informed me of your loss. Joyce and I will keep you in our prayers.
Chris Binder
April 14, 2017
I wish could be with you at this time. You as a family will get thru this, being left with wonderful memories of your mom.
Love, Tom and Chris
Dr. James and Julie McLaughlin
April 11, 2017
Dear John and Bonner Family,
Our deepest condolences to all of you. I have fond memories professionally and also with our time together at our children's soccer games. May Romona Rest In Peace. Our prayers and thoughts to all of you at this difficult time.
Ron and Roberta Genini
April 11, 2017
To Jack and all the family, our deepest condolences. We pray for your peace and comfort knowing what a good person has passed into the Lord's presence.
Carla Stiassni
April 10, 2017
Dear Kerry and Bonner family, It is with great sadness that I read your news of your beloved mother, Ramona's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. You have a wonderful family and I know the legacy Ramona leaves in your family will be of great comfort to you and your family, now and in the future. Carla Stiassni
Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Chapel
April 9, 2017
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
patricia gillespie
April 8, 2017
Dear Jack and children,
I was saddened to hear about your loving wife and mother. Ramona was a wonderful, kind, faithful wife, mother, nurse and most important follower of Jesus. Her life attested to that. She is most certainly in God's presence. Our newest saint! But your pain and grief is hard to bear. Place yourselves in God's hands, surrender, and He will turn this into peace and joy! I will pray for you all. We will all be together again in our real home someday. Until then we must carry on with holy lives in her memory. Patricia Gillespie
April 8, 2017
To Doctor Bonner and to all of the family members, My prayers have been with you all during these days and will continue . I feel so privileged to have known Romona since 2005 . She was indeed the Sweetest person, had the most beautiful smile . I will never forget her.Please know I am here if any way I can assist you during these days as you prepare to celebrate her life at the Mass on Wednesday.Sister Sister Emily C.S.C.
Dee Parsons
April 7, 2017
Dear David and Cheryl
I am so sorry. It is so hard to lose a mother. She sounds like she was one awesome lady. I am praying for your strength and peace.
Corinne Betkowski
April 7, 2017
Dear Bonner Family,
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
Our deepest Sympathy, go out to all of you.
Love Doug & Corinne Betkowski
(Phoenix. AZ)
David Bonner
April 6, 2017
I miss you Mom. You will always be in my heart and always be near. I want to promise you that we'll take care of Dad. This has been so hard Mom. What I would do to hear your voice again. I love you and will always love you.
David Bonner