Bonnie Rose LaLonde Reese

Bonnie (Rose) LaLonde Reese went to be with Jesus on February 23, 2025. Born in Kingsford, Michigan on August 28, 1941, to Margaret (Viola) Dykstra LaLonde and Willard Francis LaLonde, Bonnie lived a life defined by faith, family, and service. 

 She was preceded in death by her loving husband Jim, her parents Margaret and Willard, and her brother Richard. She is survived by her sister Dianne Weiss of Milwaukee, WI; her daughter Pamela Reese Layh (Brian); sons James Matthew Reese (Christy) and Matthew James Reese (Kim); and her five adored grandchildren: Reese and Ashton Layh; Allison and Gavin Reese; and Marissa Reese. 

Bonnie grew up in Kingsford, Michigan and was a proud “Kingsford Flivver”, graduating from KHS in 1959, where she cheered and played percussion in the marching band. She met her future husband Jim at a dance while he was on leave from the Navy. They married in June 1962 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Kingsford, Michigan. After welcoming their three children in Milwaukee, WI, they moved to Winston-Salem, NC, in 1977 where they built a rich life centered on family, love, responsibility, countless sporting events, and service to their community. 

 While raising three children and working full-time, Bonnie graduated summa cum laude with her Bachelor's degree from High Point College. She spent most of her career at RJ Reynolds, starting as an Administrative Assistant and advancing through several roles before leading the Consumer Relations Department in her final years before retirement. 

In retirement, Bonnie and Jim devoted themselves to their children and grandchildren. They attended innumerable sporting events, performances, and recognition ceremonies, helping to care for their grandchildren and building relationships of exceptional depth and meaning. Bonnie's selflessness shone through her volunteer work at church and in the community until her health prevented it. Her generosity was evident in both personal acts and her consistent support of food pantries and charities including Operation Smile. 

Steadfast in her faith, Bonnie served the Lord quietly and purposefully. Despite facing illness and pain in her final years, she greeted each day with remarkable positivity and grace, grateful for time spent with her loved ones. She found particular comfort in Psalm 23:1-4, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, and Matthew 5:1-10. 

Bonnie was laid to rest on March 1 in a private ceremony attended by her children and grandchildren. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the neighbors who provided such loving care and support in her final years, particularly Kim Anderson, Fran Collier, and Sam Namak. 

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to honor Bonnie’s memory, please consider a donation to Operation Smile.