Bonnie Lorraine (Doyle) McKenzie, 65, of Gaylord, MI, passed away on April 23rd, 2019. The daughter of John A. and Laura Augustine (Wheelock) Doyle.
Bonnie had a way of making the everyday extraordinary. She served others without hesitation, or questions asked. Bonnie found such joy in spending time with little kids, and no person was too small for her to be interested in. She loved garage sales, sharing a story or a cup of coffee on the porch, and spending a day at the beach. Bonnie was giving, and kind, and always quick to laugh. She brought joy to everyone. No matter where you found yourself in life, Bonnie always had a spot for you to rest in her kitchen (and if you were lucky, she’d even make you a peanut butter and jam sandwich.)
Bonnie is survived by her husband of 48 years, Ken L. McKenzie; her son Kenneth M. McKenzie; daughter Carrie (Nic) McKenzie Milton and their children, Peter Jack and Lilly Nora; son Jonathon G. McKenzie; and daughter Vickie Spencer. She grew up in Cheboygan with her seven brothers and sisters; Pete, Diana, John, Jacqueline, Charlene, Sharon, and Laura, and will be deeply missed by each of them. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Joseph and Lois Doyle, Lloyd and Adeline Wheelock, and daughter Beth Blachy.
The family plans to celebrate her life together this upcoming July. Donations can be made in her name to the Otsego County Animal Shelter.
11 comments on “Bonnie D. McKenzie”
Some of my favorite memories are of sitting in the sunshine with Bonnie, Vickie, Beth, and Sue Blasius enjoying her flowers, her son’s chickens, and conversations. Great way to spend a Friday afternoon in the summer. I miss those days, but will never forget her kindness or her “down to earth” attitude!
I admired Bonnie, such a nice lady. We Will always remember how genuinely nice she was. She will be missed.
George Bernard Shaw said Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.
How well that describes our Bonnie! She was so at ease with who she was. Bonnie didn’t filter her love towards others based on who they were – it was all there for the taking. She was the best kind of role model and she impressed you because she didn’t try. She was just herself – all the time.
Bonnie was passionate about her family – her wonderful large family and we will all miss her. But we will remember what she taught us and how she created the person who she was through what she did. To be of value to others…..to be kind……..not to judge….to let a child be a child and to let yourself drop the part of you that is afraid of what others think. If I could say anything to her now it would be “Well done Bonnie!”
Perfect …..”Well Done Bonnie” She lived a truly great life and will be missed by many
Ken and family….Don and I wish to extend our condolences to you and your family and to tell you how sad we are on your loss. I will miss catching up with Bonnie at our now and then lunches. She and I could visit for hours. She was a great friend and will be sorely missed.
I am so saddened by her loss. She has been my friend for 43 years. I spent alot of time with Bonnie over the years. We were at the lake almost every sunny day and hitting garage sales on Friday. She always had the coffee on and anyone was welcome to stop by. I was at her house 2-3 days a week drinking coffee. We could talk forever. She was an immense help to me working the system with my son. She always had children at her house and they all adored her. She was the most down to earth person I know and the only phone number I can still remember because she still used a land line. She was a true friend with a huge heart. Nothing ever got her down. She was always upbeat and if I was down she had a way of picking me right up and pointing out the good. Bonnie was truly one in a million. The world would be a better place if we could all be like her. I will miss seeing her this summer. Her family was her life and my heart goes out to all of them. Heaven has gained an angel for sure.
Bonnie was a one of a king lady! She was always laid back and relaxed, and enjoyed the little things in life. I will never forget going to thumb lake for a beach day and hanging out with her and her kids. We were always welcome to visit at her farm, and she always had coffee and snacks. I will never forget this lovely woman and all the love she had for everyone and everything. I will never forget her carefree spirit. She had a way of bringing sunshine to you on the darkest of your days. My love and prayers go out to this family today! I will never forget you……
Bonnie’s home was a very special place for me as a child. She welcomed me from day one and I will forever miss her.
Bonnie was the ROCK of our family. Best sister a girl could ask for….
Bonnie was always a bright spot in the room. She was a fitness student of mine for many many years. Always a kind word, comment and encouragement to everyone she met. My prayers for comfort and peace for the family.
Such an amazing women. My Olivia was so very blessed to have her as a constant care taker and role model for the last year. This past year has been incredibly difficult for Olivia and I and if there is a single person I could have chosen for my Olivia to spend most of her days with – it would, without a doubt, have been Bonnie. I am so thankful Olivia got to know you, what an absolute blessing you have been. You are so missed, and there isn’t a day that passes that we don’t think about you. Memories are often shared by Olivia through things that remind her of you. Forever loved, you are. Heaven truly gained an angel. 🙏💜