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Bonnie Colquhoun Obituary

Bonnie L. Colquhoun Battle Creek Bonnie Lee Colquhoun, age 81 of Battle Creek, died in the hands of the Lord on February 25, 2011. She was born March 23, 1929 in Battle Creek to the late Norman Frank Rabe and Cletah (Henion) Reinhold. Occasionally as a young child, Bonnie would accompany her father to work at Kelloggs. Always one to strike up a conversation, Bonnie recalls chatting with W.K. Kellogg while sitting on his desk. She attended Battle Creek Public Schools including Northwestern Junior High School and graduated from Lakeview High School in 1946. She attended Ward Bellmont College in Nashville, Tennessee, then graduated from Michigan State University where she enjoyed her Kappa Alpha Theta sisterhood and earned a degree in Speech Therapy. She married Graham Fraser Colquhoun, M.D., originally of Nova Scotia, in 1953. On occasion, she worked as a substitute teacher, primarily at Minges Brook Elementary School while raising her children. In her later years, she cherished her PEO, bible study, and book club friends. Bonnie was a very dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. Christ was the center of her life. She was a witness to his love. She was blessed with all of the gifts of the holy spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. In her final weeks, she read the book Breakthrough by Gerard Long, a Christian parable written to inspire one to "discover life's most meaningful answers" through ALPHA, a course on knowing Christ. Bonnie recently gave over a dozen copies of Breakthrough to those around her as a way to share Christ when her own strength was fading. She exemplified the Psalm 23 walk, conquering fear and doubt with the comfort of the Lord, her shepherd. Bonnie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Graham F. Colquhoun. She is survived by her brother, Norman (Katie) Rabe; three children, Breah (William) Mohr, of Aurora, Illinois, P. Jeffrey (Diane) Colquhoun of Battle Creek, Heather (Albert) Avila of Longboat Key, Florida; and seven grandchildren, Matthew and Meghan Mohr, Peter, Gillian and Brigitte Colquhoun, and Audrey and Andrea Avila. The family will receive family and friends from 4:00- 6:00 p.m. Friday, March 4, 2011 at Shaw Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 5, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church. Memorial contributions may be directed to ALPHA USA or Mission Eyes Foundation of SW Michigan (through the Battle Creek Community Foundation). The family is being served by Shaw Funeral Home. www.shawfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Feb. 28, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Bonnie Colquhoun

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Maryanne Zenger (Roubos)

March 19, 2011

Dear Jeff, Breah and Heather (and families): I was SO sorry to learn of your Mother's death. I have such wonderful memories of both your Mom and Dad over the past 50 yrs - - yes 50 years! I really could write a book! :-) Now we live with and cherish our memories. Please accept our sincere sympathy and we will pray for all of you as you grieve. God Bless each and every one of you. Sincerely, Maryanne and Tom Zenger

Shirley Sparks-Greif

March 5, 2011

I have such fond memories of Bonnie with our "ladies who lunch" at the country club every Wed. When I moved away, hers was the first Christmas card every year. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. My sincerest sympathy to the family.

Diane Cummins

March 4, 2011

Jeff, Diane, family & friends,
What a blessing to cross paths with such a sweet, gentle soul--Heaven claimed another angel! It was a privilege to know her. Most sincere condolences and deepest sympathy for your loss.

john langs

March 4, 2011

I remember Mrs. Colquhoun was a very beautiful lady and gracious hostess. I went to Elementary School with Heather and Camp with Jeff. Two terrific kids. I just lost my own Mother (Carol) and send my sincere sympathies to old family freinds. I remember the house on Country Club Drive very well.

Kindest sympathies and regards,

John D. Langs, Jr.

Heather Gwillim

March 4, 2011

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

March 4, 2011

Dear Jeff and Diane,
I did not know your mother but through the eyes and voices of others recognize her as an amazing woman in all aspects of her life. You will always have the wonderful memories of
her life. Remember, it is not what we do in life but how others see us and
remember us. I am sure she is cherished by scores of people. God Bless your family!
Sincerely Suzie Azuela

March 1, 2011

To the family of Bonnie Colquhoun;
We offer our very heartfelt sympathy. As time goes on, we are sure that fond memories will be yours to treasure.

Best Regards, Harry & Opal

April Daugherty

February 28, 2011

Jeff, Brea, Heather and the rest of family. I am so very sorry the passing of such a wonderful Godly mother. She will surely be missed by not only you but a whole community of friends. My thoughts and prayers have been with you and will continue as you transition thru this very though time. God Bless You!

Lisa Brown

February 28, 2011

What a beautiful tribute to your Mom. She exemplified what life can be like when Christ is at the center. God bless and comfort all of you.

February 28, 2011

Jeff and Diane,
I am so sorry to hear of the death of Bonnie. She was a Battle Creek treasure. She was so sweet, gentle and kind. It is a joy to think of my encounters with her and how she and Chuck would talk with each other in the treatment room at the hospital. I would love to immulate her spirit and qualities.
I am in Calif. so am sending my love and prayers. Fondly Sally O'Dell

February 28, 2011

Dr. Jeff, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mother. She left an impression on so many people. God be with you. Robin Bowen

Alice Katherine (Shirlaw) Montague

February 28, 2011

Bonnie was one of my closest friends throughout our elementary & Junior High years. Have so many wonderful memories. She was a beautiful person.

Wayne and Carole Sharp

February 28, 2011

We remember Bonnie fondly and know she will be greatly missed.

Our thoughts are with you.

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