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December 16, 1924 – November 15, 2024

Bonnie Jean Verkinder, age 99, of Palos Park, Il, formerly of Sister Lakes, MI, and the South Chicago suburbs, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Peace Village, Palos Park, Il. Bonnie began her life on December 16,1924, in Chicago. She was the daughter of Walter and Nora (Walsh) Firth. She graduated from Fenger High School in Chicago and was united in marriage to George Verkinder on Jan. 9, 1945, in Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Chicago.

Bonnie’s surviving devoted family includes her three daughters – Jacquelyn and her husband, Joe Farrell of Cheshire, CT, Judith Molinaro of Chicago, and Deborah and her husband – Jim Albano of Valparaiso, IN; nine grandchildren – Lisa Olmstead, Sean Farrell, Bernard Heinen Jr., Anthony Molinaro, Michael Farrell, George Heinen, David Molinaro, Justin Albano and Tatti Albano; twelve great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her husband – George in 2007, after 62 years of a loving marriage; daughter – Pamela Heinen; and son-in-law – Robert Molinaro.

Bonnie’s greatest passion in life was her love for her husband and daughters, whom she was devoted to. She was known for her competitive spirit when playing cards or any other game. Bonnie had a wonderful sense of humor and was always able to laugh at herself. She handled the last difficult years of her life in the same manner she had lived her entire life with grace, dignity and good spirits.

Her Irish wit never left her.

She was a true friend to those who befriended her and will be forever missed and loved. Her zest for life will live on in her daughters and grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 51841 Leach Rd, Dowagiac, MI. Friends may visit with Bonnie’s family on Friday from 2 p.m. until the time of Mass. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Clark Chapel and Cremation Services – Starks Family Funeral Homes, 405 Center St., Dowagiac. Please visit Bonnie’s personalized webpage to share a memory or leave condolences to her family at www.clarkch.com.