Bonnie Anne Burns

Bonnie Burns

July 10, 1955 – April 1, 2025

Bonnelle Anne (Bosch) Burns, "Bonnie" a vibrant and unforgettable soul, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025, at the age of 69, following a courageous battle with ocular melanoma. Born on July 10, 1955, at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia, to Frank Louis Bosch and Margaret Gates Bosch. Bonnie lived her life with a contagious sense of humor, a caring heart, and an unwavering willingness to do anything for anyone. In sharing her story, she hoped to bring awareness to ocular melanoma, a rare and often overlooked disease, so others might find strength and support.

Bonnie was the beloved and fierce mother of Matthew Douglas Burns and Melanie Anne (Burns) Morton, to whom she was utterly devoted. She shaped them into strong, independent individuals, instilling in them a deep commitment to always put their children first-a legacy that lives on in the way they raise their own families. As a powerhouse in mortgage banking, Bonnie didn't just talk the talk-she dragged Matt and Melanie along to snap photos of houses for sale, turning work into a family affair with a mix of grit and grumbling, teaching them resilience and responsibility whether they liked it or not. She leaves behind a legacy of joy through her five cherished grandchildren: Dylan Burns, Alexandra Burns and Isabelle Burns, and Rylee Morton and Cayden Morton. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Charlotte Denekas Burns, and her loving boyfriend and life partner, John Chandler, who was her steadfast companion and kindred spirit.

Known for her quick wit and sense of humor, Bonnie had a gift for brightening any room-though she wasn't afraid to let her snarky, fiery side shine when the moment called for it. She could be tough and unfiltered, a force to be reckoned with, but that raw honesty was part of her charm and what made her so fiercely authentic. She lived for the water-whether boating on the open waves, camping by the shore, or soaking up the sun on a beach vacation, preferably with John by her side. Together, they built a life filled with love, adventure, and mutual support. John stood by Bonnie through her toughest moments, faithfully taking her to doctor's appointments and treatments in Philadelphia, a testament to his deep devotion. Her vibrant spirit and warm presence touched everyone she met, and she built a wide circle of friends who adored her deeply. Bonnie treasured her time with John, her family, and especially her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. She relished every moment spent with them, often gathering around the table for lively games of Uno or cards, filling the room with laughter and love. But come fall, she would inevitably face her mortal enemy, the falling leaves-she'd charge into the backyard with a blower and rake, cursing the leaves until she'd threaten to trade them all for a one-way ticket to a leaf-free beach.

Professionally, Bonnie was a titan in mortgage banking, a career she dove into straight out of high school and never wavered from. With a steely resolve, she held countless titles in the real estate industry over the decades, from the ground up to her final role as a loan processor, proving she could master anything she set her mind to. Bonnie's caring nature knew no bounds-she was the kind of person who would drop everything to help a friend or stranger alike. Her life was a gift to all who had the privilege of knowing her, and she faced her illness with grace, humor, and determination, often leaning on John's unwavering strength. Her family honors her wish to shine a light on ocular melanoma in the hope of helping others. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her kindness, her selflessness, and the way she made every moment an adventure-snark, spark, and all.

She is preceded in death by her oldest sister, Barbara Joy (Bosch) Casana. She is survived by seven siblings, Steven, C. Bosch, Gordon Bosch, Kevin Bosch, Margaret Bosch Taylor, Victoria Bosch Murray, Mary Frances Knight, and Paul Bosch.

A celebration of Bonnie's life will be held at a later date, with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Bonnie's honor to the Eye on Grace Foundation (eyeongracefoundation.net) or the Georgetown University School of Medicine (som.georgetown.edu), two causes she passionately supported to aid ocular melanoma patients and advance medical research for a cure. Alternatively, take a moment to enjoy the water-perhaps on a boat or by the beach, where Bonnie's spirit will surely be felt (and no leaves need raking).