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TRENTON - Bonnie Kay Dowd, 70, of Trenton, passed away suddenly on Thursday, July 11, 2013, at her summer rental home in Beach Haven.
Born in Trenton, Bonnie was a lifelong Trenton resident.
She was a bookkeeper for Joel Richards Hair Salon in Lawrenceville, where she retired after more than 30 years of service.
Bonnie was a graduate of the first graduating class of Notre Dame High School, class of 1961, as a Salutatorian. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and their summer vacations at Beach Haven.
Daughter of the late LeRoy Walter and Katherine Huber Bensel, wife of the late William R. "Richard" Dowd Sr., she is survived by two sons and two daughters-in-law William R. Dowd Jr. of Beach Haven, Kevin Sean and Kerry Collins Dowd of Morganville, Kimberly Ann Dowd of Manahawkin; a daughter and son-in-law Bonnie Kay and Robert Smetanka of Manahawkin; her beloved partner Elmer Kerlin of Trenton; eight grandchildren Bob, Mark, Erik, Brianna, Kelly, Billy, Kelsey and Morgan; two brothers and two sisters-in-law LeRoy and Anne Bensel Jr. of Virginia, Richard M. and Patricia Kelly Bensel of Wallingford, PA; one sister and brother-in-law Helen May and Jon Spodofora of Manahawkin; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the M. William Murphy Funeral Home, 1863 Hamilton Ave., Hamilton. Visit www.murphyfh.com. Burial will be in St. Hedwig Cemetery, Eggerts Crossing Road, Lawrenceville. Calling hours will be Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m., and Wednesday from 10 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.
Donations in Bonnie's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2600 US Highway 1, North Brunswick, NJ 08902.
Sincere sympathy for your loss!She was a pleasant lady!
Miriam Hofing
September 21, 2013
Elmer,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Bonnie was a wonderful person to know.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless!
Dawn Haws
July 16, 2013
Dear Billy Kevin And Bonnie , so sorry to hear of your moms passing. We were schoolmates, then neighbors in Ewing where you and my kids were classmates.now we live on LBI where she loved to be. Sometimes connections are amazing. I hope you can find comfort in each other. This is when family is so important. God bless. Mary Nitti
July 16, 2013
Mrs. Dowd - I love you ! I have so many fond memories of being at your house and growing up with your family. You have been my neighbor my whole life and we cherish that. May you be in peace. Love Always, Neil Kleinman & Family
Neil Kleinman
July 16, 2013
I am truly sorry for your loss. She was such a wonderful lady.
Leida A (CINJ)
July 16, 2013
Kevin and family, I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's sudden death. At this painful time, may you seek Jehovah in prayer. He will comfort you and help you endure. 1 Peter 5:6,7
D D
July 16, 2013
, I am deeply saddened by your loss and I want you to know that your Family and you are in my Prayers. May God Bless you all at this time of reflection on all the good times and not of your loss, but of God's gain. May Peace be with you all.
July 15, 2013
Bonnie I'm soooo sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom. You and your family are in my prayers. Take care.
Terry Obergfell
July 15, 2013
The words of a song came to mind when I read of Bonnie's loss - memories light the corners of my mind. I have so many wonderful memories of time spent with her and my sister Daryl when they became friends during their young, single days and through their years as young wives and mothers. I spent many weekends at the beach and happy hours at home with Bonnie, always talking, laughing and just enjoying life! Although we lost touch in more recent years, we seemed to somehow keep track of what the other was up to. They were very happy years, and my memories of the Bensel/Dowd families will never be lost - they'll always be with me to bring warm smiles and laughter whenever I think of Bonnie. My heartfelt condolences to all. May she rest in peace.
Claire Dwier Zarr
July 15, 2013
So shocked to hear of Bonnie's passing. Have many memories of family times together as cousins. My prayers and sympathy are extended to her family and friends. Sincerely, Libby Hutchinson Thomas
Elizabeth Thomas
July 14, 2013
My sincere condolences to your entire family. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. RIP, Bonnie Kay Dowd.
Renee Pacella
July 14, 2013
Sadly, Bonnie is a cousin I lost touch with many years ago. Have many fond memories of her along with the Bensel family, and I'm so sorry to hear of her
death. I will never forget her and I
pray she is now at peace with her wonderful parents who I loved.
Andrea Samonsky
July 14, 2013
Our condolences and prayers are with the entire family during this difficult time. May you find comfort knowing she is at peace.
Anita and Peter Sapnar
July 14, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. God bess.
Patty Jordan
July 14, 2013
My heartfelt condolences to the entire family. I will pray for your family's comfort. Heaven just got another angel. May God Bless all of you.
Missey King
July 14, 2013
Wow....having lost contact with Bonnie over the past 15 years, this is quite a shock! She was a lovely, funny considerate woman. My sympathies to her family. Many memories of her. We worked closely at the furniture store. Rest in peace, Bonnie
Herb Spiegel
July 14, 2013
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