Bonnie Jackson

Through the life of Bonnie Jackson we learn that true happiness is not found in the accumulation of wealth according to the world’s standards, but that our deepest joy is found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and in the love we share with those around us. She was never overbearing or boisterous in her faith, but wanted everyone to know through the life she lived that she was a Christian, and that everything in her life was part of His perfect plan. Second only to her faith was Bonnie’s love for and devotion to her family who she viewed as a priceless treasure. Although she will be deeply missed, Bonnie’s family and friends find comfort in knowing that death has no sting for those who believe, and that she is walking the streets of gold in her eternal home.

The decade of the thirties was cloaked in hardship due to the unforgiving grip of the Great Depression. With an unemployment rate that soared above 25 percent countless Americans struggled to make ends meet without any work. People did what they could to survive, however, and despite the circumstances around them a young couple from Highland Park, Michigan, was filled with unspeakable joy to welcome a healthy baby girl into their hearts and home. Baby Bonnie was born on July 14, 1931, as the oldest of four children born to her parents, Albert and Gladys (Higgins) Kennaugh, and was raised in the family home alongside her younger brothers, Albert (Al), Gordon, and Karl. Her father worked hard as a lithographer while her mother was a homemaker and a dental assistant during her later years. The Kennaugh family struggled to make ends meet and although there was no money for extras, the family had what they needed. Bonnie was proud that her father was from the Isle of Man, and was delighted to be able to visit his birthplace later in life. Many of their relatives lived in Canada as well.

In many ways Bonnie experienced an upbringing that was reflective of the times. She was often told she resembled Shirley Temple as a young girl - even earning the title of runner up in a look-alike contest on one occasion. Bonnie often took her younger brother, Al, to church on the streetcar, and when she began dating it was not uncommon for her to take both her younger brothers, Al and Gordon, on dates. As a student Bonnie attended local schools including Highland Park High, and it was there that she met the young man who stole her heart. His name was Richard W. Jackson, and they were the typical pair who were attracted to each other as opposites in many ways. They began dating while in high school, and many of their dates were to see the cows at the cow barns, while they attended Michigan State University.

With a desire to build a life together, Bonnie and Dick were married on June 20, 1953, in a large ceremony at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Detroit. Together they were blessed with three children, Michael, Mark, and Cathy, although their precious Michael died when he was just five days old. From the moment she became a mother Bonnie fully immersed herself into caring for her children for as long as they were living at home.

There were so many things that enriched Bonnie’s life through the years. She was a dedicated member of Hope Lutheran Church where she was a longtime member of the choir as well as a member of several different committees through the years. As someone who was community minded, Bonnie was also involved in community bible studies, Hubbard Lake Ladies Group, and the Hubbard Lake Sportsman Club. She was also a part of the Lost Lake Woods Club, Autism Research Institute, Kids on the Block, and the National Day of Prayer, even organizing the local chapter. Over the years Bonnie also enjoyed being part of several bible study groups, book clubs, and the Red Hatters of Hubbard Lake. During her younger years she was part of a bowling league for a time. After raising her children Bonnie continued her education. At first she had an associate’s degree in library science from Oakland Community College, and she added to that with a bachelor’s degree in gerontology from Oakland University. Pets were usually a part of Bonnie’s life beginning with a cat named Peter and later a Brittany Spaniel named Ginger. Despite her own reservations about owning a dog, she allowed her children to have the privilege of having a dog of their own. Bonnie also loved her cat named Lulu and for the past years her faithful companion, Oscar. She liked playing bridge, enjoyed her music, and was a diehard Spartan football fan.

Although caring for her family was always her main focus, Bonnie worked outside of the home at times. During the late sixties and early seventies she worked as a librarian in the Ferndale School System, and for several years she worked as the activities director at Georgian Bloomfield Nursing Home.

After retiring to Hubbard Lake in the early nineties, Bonnie and Dick continued to enjoy life alongside one another. They loved traveling, especially going on cruises, and taking in as many of their grandchildren’s activities as they could, getting together with friends, and seeing plays.

A woman of grace, compassion, and unending service to those around her, Bonnie Jackson was a blessing in the lives of so many. Life was not always easy for her, but she found great comfort in knowing that, “The Lord has been faithful to me my entire life - I know this to be true. I know He will take me to be with Him in heaven.” Nothing could make the family of Bonnie’s friends and family happier. She will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Bonnie M. Jackson died Saturday, March 24, 2012. Bonnie’s family includes her two children, Mark Jackson and Cathy Friedman along with their spouses, Margie and Skip; six grandchildren, Jennifer, Jeremy and his wife Grace, Megan, Christopher, Abigail and Cole; as well as two great-grandsons, Benjamin and Caleb; and two brothers, Albert and Karl Kennaugh along with their spouses Ruth and Beth. Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, Dick in September 2001, an infant son, Michael and a brother, Gordon. Bonnie is at McWilliams Funeral Home – Alpena where friends may call on Monday from 2:00-8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at Hope Lutheran Church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 noon with Rev. Herbert Kitzman officiating. Interment will be at the church cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Hope Lutheran Church or Hospice of Michigan. Please visit Bonnie’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or sign the online guestbook.