Ann Bonin

Anna Mae “Ann” Bonin (nee Schenk) was born on July, 10, 1923 to Anna and Stephen Schenk in Philadelphia, PA. Ann was the first of the family to be born in the United States (a true first generation American). She moved with her family to Berkeley, MI and graduated from Shrine of the Little Flower High School. After High School, Ann worked for the phone company as an overnight operator. When that job became too unpleasant (and as a “critical function” she could not leave due to World War II) she and a friend joined the Marine Corps. Basic training was at USMC Camp LeJeune, NC. After Basic training, Ann rose to the rank of Corporal and was stationed at El Toro base in California as the Chaplin’s Clerk. Ann married Rollie Bonin on Armistice Day (now Veterans Day) November 11, 1944 and lived on the ocean in California before returning to Minnesota for employment. They eventually made their home in White Bear Lake. She and Rollie celebrated 50 years of marriage before he passed away in January of 1995. Together they had 7 children, Philip, Barbara, Jeanne Marie, Beverly, Richard, Marcia and Gerrie. Jeanne Marie and Phil both preceded her in death. Ann was a devout member of the Catholic faith. She loved the Lord and prayed to Him daily. The Blessed Mother, and the Saints were also included in Ann’s daily conversation of prayer. Each of her children had their own devoted prayer day. They knew her prayers were covering them. In earlier years, she taught Sunday school, was a communion minister and enjoyed her vigil times in the chapel of St. Mary’s. She also enjoyed a 16 year career with 916 school district, as a cashier and “donut lady” in the cafeteria. Ann truly enjoyed her Catholic faith, tending to her garden, traveling, walking, talking with young people and spending time with her family. On ­­August 7, 2019, Ann passed away peacefully at home in White Bear Lake at the age of 96. Blessed be her memory. Grateful for having shared Ann’s life are her children, Phil (Molly) Bonin, Barb Andersons, Bev French, Dick (Sue) Bonin, Marcia (Steve) Lang and Gerrie Bonin Grandchildren, Brian (Rachel) Bonin, Kristi (Sean) Conrad, Brett (Lesley) Bonin, Ross (Kayla) Anderson, Neal (Michelle) Anderson, and David Lang Great-grandchildren, Ben, Brendan, Jude, Ethan, Andrew and (TBD) (Bonin) Marin, Chase (Conrad), Leigh, Beau, Clyde and Rollie (Anderson) Niece, Donna (Mike) Kuralle, Michelle (Joe) Nelson Nephew, Mat (Shirley) Schenk (Steven, Richard, Lisa) and many others people who loved Ann’s joyful spirit. The family gives heartfelt thanks to her caregiver, Karen Williamson, the HP Hospice team and Carol Corich and Molly, Phil and Rachel Bonin for all of their love, care and comfort to Ann and her family over the years. As seen in the newspaper obituary: Ann M. Bonin Age 96 of White Bear Lake Passed away peacefully at home on August 7th. Preceded in death by her husband, Rollie and children, Phil and Jeanne Marie. Ann is survived by her children, Barb, Bev, Dick (Sue), Marcia (Steve) and Gerrie; daughter-in-law, Molly; 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial 11AM on Tuesday, August 13 at St. Mary of the Lake Church, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake. Visitation starting at 10AM and Rosary starting at 9:30AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to HealthPartners Hospice, Frassati School, or the Carmelites of Lake Elmo.