Bonnie Brown

Bonnie was born on January 22, 1935 in Marquette to Louis A. and Agnes L. (Triggs) Beaudry. She was a graduate of Graveraet High School. Bonnie attended college at Northern Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI, and many seminars for certifications after her college courses.

Bonnie married her high school sweetheart Alexander “Alex” Brown on August 25, 1961 in Dearborn, MI.

Bonnie taught second grade at Northgate School in Mt. Morris, MI for three years. Bonnie was the Oakfield Township Clerk for four years, deputy clerk for two years, secretary for the Oakfield Township Fire Board and Zoning Board of Appeals, member of the Oakfield Historical Commission, chairperson of the Oakfield Township Sewer Board, and an election inspector. She was formerly active in the PTA when her children were young.

Bonnie had much community involvement in the communities she lived in. In Oakfield she invested herself in the Firemen’s Auxiliary (serving as past president), Pioneer Heritage Society Treasurer, Firemen’s Canteen, was a volunteer with Kent County’s Surplus Food Distribution Program, Michigan Education Association, Sparta Chapter Moose Lodge, American Legion Auxiliary, and active in many civic and church projects. In the Marquette area she was a member of the American Legion Post 44 Auxiliary, Lady Elks, and the Order of the Eastern Star. She served on several township boards with Powell Township. She was an avid and active member of the Community Presbyterian Church of Big Bay, even serving as Deacon and past president of the Ladies Aide at the church.

Bonnie enjoyed reading, spectator sports (especially hockey), sewing, knitting, crewel embroidery, ceramics, painting and genealogy. She also loved to travel, touring England and seven countries in Eastern Europe. Bonnie had a soft place in her heart for all animals and loved them dearly.

Bonnie is survived by her daughter, Lori (Todd) Thomas of Mequon, Wi; son, Jerry L. Brown of Rockford, MI; granddaughter, Sara Strother; and great-granddaughter, Willa Strother; as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Alexander Brown; sister, Ione Barr; and brother, Peter L. Beaudry.

Bonnie’s family will greet relatives and friends on March 8, 2025 starting at 11a.m. at Community Presbyterian Church in Big Bay. A funeral service will be held in the church at 12 noon with Pastor Sudi Layraman officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall. Burial will take place in the spring in Powell Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Bonnie’s name to the Community Presbyterian Church, 300 Bensinger St., Big Bay, MI 49808, Powell Township Schools, PO Box 160, Big Bay, MI 49808, or UPAWs, 815 S. State Hwy M553, Gwinn, MI 49841.

Canale-Tonella Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting Bonnie’s family where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com.