Christine Bonkowski

Christine was born in 1939 in Center Line, Michigan. She married Ronald Bonkowski, the love of her life, on October 25, 1958, and accompanied him to Fort Riley, Kansas, for his military service. When they returned to Macomb County in 1963, she began many years of unwavering public service both in education as well as alongside our Dad who served as Mayor of Warren from 1985 to 1995.

Christine was busy in the early years, raising four children and volunteering at many levels in her community including schools, church, the Macomb Literacy Project and the Warren Symphony Orchestra.

With a passion for making education available to all, she served on the Macomb Community College Board of Trustees for over 30 years as Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Chair. Her vision, commitment, and ability to inspire others has been instrumental in the creation of the Emergency Services Training Center, the Lorenzo Cultural Center and the University Center. Mom and Dad also established the Ronald L. and Christine Bonkowski Family Endowed Scholarship Fund which helps students pursue their dreams and aspirations through attending Macomb Community College.

All of these contributions embody her calling to community and service to others.

Mom’s notable accomplishments include being the recipient of the 2006 Alexander Macomb Citizen of the Year Award from the March of Dimes, an organization cherished by Mom and her family for their support while her brother, Joe, battled polio. In addition, she was awarded the 2013 Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Detroit Chapter's Dedicated and Distinguished Volunteer Award and as recently as this year was recognized by the Macomb Community College Foundation’s Loyalty Circle recognizing her over 25 consecutive years of giving.

Mom loved and supported people unconditionally and was always there for all of our dreams and differences- a beautiful example of how we can all continue her legacy.

Christine was the beloved wife of the late Ronald. Loving mom of Robert (Constance), Lori (Charles) Penn, Mark (Suzanne), and Lisa (Bob) Gracin. Cherished Gramma of Sarah (Mike), Kyle (Rachel), Jennifer (Josh), Ryan (Kristina), Katie, Samantha, David, Robert (Matthew), and Michael. Adored Great-Gramma of 11. Dear sister of Penelope (Donald). She was predeceased by her parents Walter and Yulah Van Simaeys; her siblings Gwen, Fred, and Joe; and her sister-in-law Sylvia (Herb) Rhodes.

Visitation for Christine will be held on Friday, June 19th from 3-8pm with a Rosary at 7pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road in Warren. She will lie In State on Saturday, June 20th from 9:30am until the time of her Funeral Mass at 10am at St. Paul of Tarsus Catholic Church, 41300 Romeo Plank Rd, Clinton Township, MI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Christine's name are appreciated to the Ronald L. & Christine Bonkowski Family Endowed Scholarship Fund through Macomb Community College. Checks may be made out to the Macomb Foundation. (https://www.macomb.edu/foundation/give-today.html)

Please share memories of Christine at her guest book below.