Bernadine (Bonnie) J. Lavelline, 80, of Coldwater, passed away Saturday, July 31, 2021 at her home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Coldwater with Rev. Fr. Dan Hyman officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bronson.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 4, 2021 from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., with the Rosary to begin at 7:15 p.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
Bonnie was born to Joseph and Helen (Lacko) Hrehowsik on February 11, 1941 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
She first met her future husband, of 56 years, on a blind date, arranged by his cousin on October 23, 1962. She wondered why it took him a few months to ask for a second date, (he didn’t have a car).
Bonnie earned a degree in early childhood education from Newark State College (now Keene University of New Jersey), and taught kindergarten in the Perth Amboy Public School System.
Bonnie married Jim on a rainy day, January 2, 1965. The couple settled in Waterbury, Connecticut, where she taught several early grade levels in the public school system.
After the birth of their son, Joe, she was a stay at home mom until six years after the family moved to Coldwater. She then took a job with the private Quincy Co-Operative Pre-School, a job that allowed her to see Joe safely onto the school bus and be there for him when he arrived home.
Bonnie was creative in her teaching methods, not only to prepare her students academically and socially for their formal education, but also providing many opportunities that were fun, as well as educational. Bonnie truly loved young children and gave them a good start in their school life. She spent many hours developing and preparing activities and experiences for her students.
Her pre-school career lasted 21 years until multiple sclerosis ended her ability to continue teaching. It can truly be said that Mrs. Lavelline was the heart and soul of pre-school during her tenure.
Bonnie had a beautiful voice, developed by lessons at an early age. She sang for the troops at Ft. Dix as an elementary student, Sweet Adeline’s, the St. Charles Choir and also served as a cantor for Mass.
Bonnie remained a friendly and outgoing person, despite her health issues. She fought the “good fight” with dignity and class. Bonnie enjoyed music, reading, flower gardening and making holidays special for Jim and Joe. She was the most caring wife, mother, daughter and friend.
Bonnie is survived by her husband Jim, her son Joe Lavelline, brothers and sisters -in-law Mary (Jerry) Rice of Dunmore, PA and Michael (Jacki Prior)Lavelline of Lewis Delaware .
Memorials may be directed to EWTN or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
She was a treasure and my children loved her pre-school classes. To know her was to love her.