Winooski - Bonnie (Lovely) Lajeunesse
Following a long and courageous battle with cancer, Bonnie Lajeunesse, age 66, passed from this life to eternal life on May 13, 2018 at the McClure Miller VNA Respite House in Colchester, VT. She made this life transition in the presence of loving family and her much loved and devoted canine companion of ten years, Rocky.
The youngest of four children born to John W. Lovely and Shirlie H. (Young) Lovely, Bonnie was born in Montpelier, VT on December 8, 1951. She lived in Vermont for many years before moving to North Fort Myers, FL with her husband of 20 years, Fernand “Red” Lajuenesse who pre-deceased her in 2002. She returned to Vermont in 2017 to be with family who cared for her until her passing.
Bonnie worked in many fields over her lifetime, including as a cosmetologist, hostess, and lastly as a licensed nursing assistant in a hospice facility near her home in North Fort Myers, FL. She loved crafting, cake making and decorating, traveling with her husband in their RV, spending time with family, friends, and her beloved Wheaton Terrier, Rocky, who was the source of much joy and comfort to her. Bonnie was a member of the Grace Methodist Church. She enjoyed attending services and volunteering for church activities when she was able then listening to the worship service online when she was no longer able to attend.
Bonnie leaves her sisters, Sherrie Brunelle of Colchester, Nancy Japhet and partner, Ernest Delage, of Essex Junction, her daughter, Jennifer Yergeau and partner, George Almond, of North Fort Myers, FL, her son, Jason Kingsley and wife Jennifer of Vergennes, grandsons Nathan, Joshua, Brandon and Kyle, great-granddaughter, Peyton, the siblings, children and grandchildren of her husband, many cousins, nephews, nieces, extended family, and friends who loved her and will greatly miss her.
Bonnie was predeceased by her parents John Lovely, Shirlie Lavoie and Joseph Lavoie, her brother, Gary Lovely, her brother-in-law, Leonard Brunelle, and her niece, Donna Bevins.
Calling hours and a celebration of Bonnie’s life will take place on May 19th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Stephen C. Gregory and Son Cremation Services, 472 Meadowland Drive, Suite 7 in South Burlington, VT. Inurnment will be private at the convenience of family. For those who wish to do so, the family invites sharing of photos, memories, and online condolences by visiting www.gregorycremation.com.
The family wants to express special thanks to Bonnie’s niece, Sara Burton, nephews, Chris Japhet and Robb Brunelle and his sons for their support during her illness. The family also wants to thank the staff of the UVM Medical Center, Visiting Nurse Association palliative care team, and especially the staff and volunteers of the McClure Miller VNA Respite House who provided superb care for Bonnie during her last days and who also supported her family as Bonnie made this final journey.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish, may make donations in Bonnie’s memory to the McClure Miller VNA Respite House at www.vnacares.org/hospice-care/mclure-miller-vna-respite-house, or by contacting the VNA of Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties, 1110 Prim Road, Colchester, VT 05446, the Vermont Chapter of the American Cancer Society, 55 Day Lane Williston, VT, 05495, or to the charity of one’s choice.