Our beloved Bonnie Kay Frederick, age 84, passed away on June 20, 2023. She lived a full and rewarding life. Bonnie was a remarkable woman who was able to convey her genuine warmth and kindness to all those who knew her.
Bonnie was born on June 12, 1939, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Marie Sagers McMaster and Lawrence Clair McMaster. She was the first born of six children. The family moved to Ada, Michigan when Bonnie was a young child. She attended Ada School and then on to Lowell High School, graduating in 1957. Bonnie’s strength and commitment to family was forged at a young age when both her parents died too soon, and she became the head of her family at age 20. She became a single mother in 1961 when her daughter Tamra was born. Once again, she faced a difficult situation with courage and dignity and became an exceptional mother.
Bonnie married Gerald Duane Frederick in 1963 joining the large and loving Frederick family. Their beloved son, Dan, was born in 1966 and then a daughter in 1969 who died at birth. Bonnie and Jerry were married for 53 years and lived in the Ada and Forest Hills area. Jerry worked for Steelcase and Bonnie worked in food service for Forest Hills Public Schools. They both retired in 1996 and spent their final 20 years together going to their summer place in Six Lakes and then south as snowbirds for winters in Bradenton, Florida.
Bonnie’s many creative talents included sewing, knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, quilting, crafting, scrapbooking, gardening, decorating and homemaking. She found much beauty and inspiration in nature and in the arts. During her later years she became quite a voracious reader and especially loved historical fiction and biographies. Bonnie loved to experience new places and kept journals about her travels. Her favorite trips included Hawaii (several times), a driving trip through the American West, an Alaskan cruise, New York City for her 70th birthday, and then on to London and Paris to celebrate her 71st birthday.
When her husband Jerry died in 2016, Bonnie went to live with her daughter’s family in San Francisco. Bonnie enjoyed the city life, the parks, outings, museums, restaurants, drives on the coast, and was especially good at walking up and down the hills until she was well past 80. But the hills and life with dementia became too difficult in 2022 when she moved back to Grand Rapids to live in memory care at Sunrise of Cascade where she became a favorite of the care givers because of her kind and gentle demeanor. Much appreciation to the staff at Sunrise and the team at Hospice of Michigan who cared for her with compassion.
She extended herself to others with generosity and an open heart. Bonnie was quiet but brave in her beliefs. She fought against ignorance and bigotry by keeping herself well informed and using her vote as her voice. She believed in the teachings of Jesus Christ and lived them by being tolerant, accepting, forgiving and gracious. She celebrated the goodness of humanity by living it. Her family will be forever grateful for her life and the lessons she leaves with us.
Bonnie is survived by daughter, Tamra Frederick Marshall (Dr. Robert Marshall); son, Dan Duane Frederick (Michelle Brandt Frederick); grandchildren, Robbie Marshall (Heather), Ian Marshall, Cody Frederick, Taylor Frederick, Rachel Frederick, John Playford, Mykala Supplice; and one great-grandchild, Emalyn Louise Frederick. She is also survived by sisters, Sharon Bruinekool, Connie (Don) Everling; brother, Larry McMaster and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Bonnie was predeceased by her husband, Jerry; parents, Marie and Lawrence McMaster; in-laws, Erma & Dan McCarthy; her sister, Judy Hower; her brother, Ron McMaster; and her very special Aunt Betty and Uncle Martin Sagers.
Bonnie choose cremation and her ashes will be interred at the Ada Cemetery alongside Jerry and other dear family members. Graveside services will take place at 1pm on Sunday, July 23, 2023. Those wishing to honor Bonnie are invited to donate in her name to the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement or simply extend loving kindness towards yourself and others in her memory. Womens Alzheimers Movement