Bonnie Lynn Ittmann Happel

Bonnie Lynn Ittmann Happel passed away on December 24, 2025, at the age of 80. She was the loving wife of and is survived by Dr. Leo T. Happel, Jr. She was daughter of the late Capt. Earl L. and Virginia “Dottie” Eagan Ittmann. Loving mother to her two sons, Dr. Michael T. Happel (Dianne) and Dr. Kyle I. Happel (Allison) who proudly describe their mother as a force! She was known most affectionately as “Bon Ma” to her five well-loved grandchildren, Claire, Grant, Jacob, Peter, and Anderson. She is also survived by her sister, Eileen “Trixie” Ittmann Thurman (late husband, Gene) of Ft. Worth, TX and brother, Thomas “Tommy” L. Ittmann (Leigh Ann), and brothers-in-law, Richard E. Happel (Susie) and Donald W. Happel (Doris) of McKinney, TX and sister-in-law, Dorothy “Dottie” Happel Schmit (Paul) as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Born in Uptown and raised in the Lakeshore areas of New Orleans, Bonnie attended Ben Franklin High School, an achievement she was very proud of, and in later years was active in the Ben Franklin Alumni Association. She received her bachelor’s in Zoology at LSU-Baton Rouge, where she was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority. Years later her love story with Lee began as the two met while working in a research laboratory at Tulane. From then on, rarely was there ever a Bonnie without her Lee. She enjoyed fishing, tennis, gardening, praying, learning and occasionally Bonnie liked to break things just so Lee could fix them.

In the 1970’s, they served as youth counselors at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, making lifelong connections to too many wonderful people to mention. She was the primary organizer for annual youth retreats at Camp Istrouma outside of Baton Rouge for over twenty years, and served on the governing board there for years as well. She was the “mother hen” of one of St. Luke’s United Methodist Women’s groups that was simply called “Love Circle” and many women were prayed for and encouraged there through the years just as she had been prayed for and encouraged by her mentor, Billie Cargile. She and Lee participated in and served on the committee for St. Luke’s “Wing and a Prayer” summer musical productions for decades. Bonnie served as the lay leader at St. Luke’s for over a decade and will be especially remembered as one who visited those who were homebound, those sick in hospitals and she never missed the opportunity to express her love for another at a funeral.

She was a tireless advocate and supporter for her sons and she worked with various schools in the area. Whether it was speaking out for Gifted and Talented programs, working with Agenda for Children in schools, or her years of work as the Girl Friday for Dr. Harold “Harry” Smith’s dental practice, Bonnie never hesitated to roll up her sleeves for a meaningful cause.

Enduring Alzheimer’s disease, she passed the time with Lee, her extraordinarily devoted best friend, Sallie Uhl, sisters-in-law, Susie and Dottie, and brothers-in-law, Richard and Paul, who visited her frequently and faithfully. Bonnie still managed to profess her faith and sing praises to her Lord and Savior until her passing.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 5875 Canal Blvd. in New Orleans, on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 2:00PM. There will be a reception following in the Fellowship Hall.

Flowers are welcome, as are donations to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.

Please come pray and sing with us as we remember Bonnie!

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com