Mary Ann Whitten's Obituary
WHITTEN, MARY ANN (BONNIE) BONHOFF Born Dec. 11, 1928 in Kewanee, IL, to parents Albert H. (Pete) and Helen Good Bonhoff, who both preceded her in death. Bonnie died peacefully in her sleep on May 2, 2014. She is survived by her husband of 62 yrs, Robert E. Lee (Bob) Whitten, Jr.; daughter, Cathy Whitten of Dallas; daughter, Carol Whitten & husband, Tom Chandler; granddaughter, Lenore Whitten-Chandler all of Portland, OR; cousins, John Bradbury of Dallas and Willis Good of Franklin, IN; and many dear and lifelong friends including the loving staff at Villages of Lake Highlands and Compassionate Care Hospice. Bonnie moved with her family to Dallas when she was 2 yrs. old and grew up in University Park. She attended University Park Elementary School, graduated from Highland Park High School in 1946 and SMU in 1950. Bonnie and Bob married in 1952, lived for a short time in Schenectady, NY, then returned to Dallas where they made their permanent home. Bonnie worked at the Registrar’s Office at SMU prior to Cathy’s birth and then took great pride in raising both her daughters as a stay-at-home mom. It was her great joy to be involved in their lives as room mother, school volunteer, Girl Scout leader and “other mother” to their friends. She later went to work at Cloth World (now Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts) where she enjoyed a 23-yr. career, retiring in 2009. She was an active volunteer in her University Terrace neighborhood and VIP program and especially enjoyed the neighborhood picnics. She was thrilled to become a grandmother in 2011. Bonnie loved her family, her friends, her garden, playing bridge, sewing, anything chocolate and animals – both house pet and wildlife, especially hummingbirds. Bonnie will always be known for her generous smile and her gracious personality. She was always happy to be able to help others and to make a positive difference in someone’s life. Bonnie is greatly loved, and her memory will be cherished by her family and friends. Memorial service will be held at Wildwood Chapel, Restland, Dallas on Sat., May 24, 12:30 PM.
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