Virginia Mary Bonness

Virginia Mary Bonness passed away peacefully on March 9, 2023, at the age of 98 surrounded by her daughters and with the grace of God. She was born on December 8, 1924, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin into the loving family of Ferdinand and Margaret Haas. Ginny met the love of her life, Joseph Denny Bonness, one winter day while ice skating on the Washington Park lagoon in Milwaukee. They were married in the Mount Mary College Chapel in the summer of 1946 and began their new lives together living on a farm in New Berlin, Wisconsin. Ginny fondly told stories of cooking on an old wood stove, farrowing piglets, and picking apples in the orchard. During this time, Ginny also completed her bachelor’s degree in English at Mount Mary College. Having a home filled with children was Ginny and Denny’s dream. They were graced with twelve children, ten of whom lived to adulthood. They chose to raise their family in Elm Grove, Wisconsin. It was an idyllic time and place where many large families helped one another provide a wonderful faith-filled childhood for their children. Ginny filled their home with love and joy, in addition to a new baby every one to two years! In 1974, Ginny and family ventured south and made Naples, Florida their new home. Ginny continued to bring her family together, setting a tradition of large holiday celebrations as new generations joined the family. As she aged, Ginny was able to remain independent because of the support and care of her daughter Theresa, with whom she shared a very special relationship. To know Ginny, was to feel the presence of a very gentle and loving woman. To many people, she felt like a saint living amongst us. Her very essence radiated the love of God. She had tremendous faith, and her devotion was beautiful. She was a cherished member of the Lay Carmelites, as well as a Eucharistic Minister bringing Holy Communion to the hospitalized for 20 years. She was active in her faith all through her life, and it is no surprise that the recent fall that led to her death occurred while she was rushing to go to daily mass. Ginny looked forward to being reunited in heaven with her husband, Joseph Denny Bonness; her two infant children, Joseph Girard (1951) and Elizabeth Mary Margaret (1954); her parents Ferdinand and Margaret Haas, her siblings Thomas (Lee) Haas, June (Robert) Lex, and Robert (Joan) Haas; and son in-law, Daniel Kelly, and daughter in-law, Susan Bonness. Ginny will be greatly missed by her children Margaret Kelly, Mary (Michael) Treu, Joseph Bonness, Theresa Bonness, Kathleen (Clay) Bailie, Maureen Bonness, Eileen (Brian) Kocses, Bridget (Scott) Black, Patrice (Mark) Coty, Sharon (Joseph) MacKenzie; 25 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; 15 godchildren; 2 sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law; and many dear nephews and nieces. A visitation will be held from 4-6 pm on Friday, March 17, 2023, at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, 525 111th Ave. North, Naples, FL 34108. A preservice (10:45 am) and the Mass of Resurrection (11:00 am) will be celebrated on Saturday March 18, 2023, at St. William Catholic Church, 601 Seagate Drive, Naples, FL 34103. Interment will follow at Naples Memorial Gardens. In honor of Ginny’s life, please consider a donation to Mount Mary University or to the Klein Twins CDKL5 Medical Help GoFundMe. Ralph and Charlie Klein are Peter Bonness’ twin grandsons who were born with a rare genetic disorder. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hodgesfhatnaplesmg.com for the Bonness family.