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1940 - 2017
1940 - 2017
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1940
2017
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Sharon & Julie Leiter
March 21, 2018
This memorial was created in honor of Bonnie "Beans" Ann Leiter of Traverse City, Michigan. Bonnie was born on November 23, 1940 in Chicago and passed on March 30, 2017 at her home in Traverse City. Bonnie was loved by many and will be dearly missed by all friends and family.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Helen Zink, and her father, Barney Jennings. She is survived by her husband, Marvin, her partner for 53 years; her son, Jeff; and her daughters, Sharon and Julie; her son-in-law, Todd; and her grandchildren, Cary, Ethan, and Ocean; and many who cared about her.
Bonnie was a loving stay-at-home mother who cared well for her children and pets, especially her dog, Louie. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Western Springs and was active in the Women's Club. She volunteered at the BEDS homeless shelter for years. She enjoyed bowling in a bowling league, and entertaining at home, spending time with family and friends.
The family had a special burial service in Traverse City, Michigan, in May.
Mom and little Ethan
March 18, 2018
Mom and Mary Jane in Michigan, fun & attitude
March 18, 2018
Mom and little Bobilou by our fireplace at 1308 Maple, after Julie was burned by hot coffee
March 18, 2018
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Mom and little CJ
March 18, 2018
Bahamas fun with Mary Jane
March 18, 2018
Young mom
March 18, 2018
Sharon Leiter-Weintraub
March 17, 2018
To Mom, With Love
by Sharon Leiter-Weintraub
Sifting through memories of you
in your jewelry box;
the green, emerald, flower-shaped ring
worn every day with a smile,
your loving hands preparing turkey sandwiches on Wonder Bread,
picking up clothes from messy shag-carpeted floors.
Your mothers glittering snake bracelet
wrapped around your arm
at a country club family dinner,
Bingo, butterfly shrimp and gold brick sundaes.
Your tinkling laughter
and delight when I yelled, Bingo!
The gold Mother necklace
my little sister Julie and I lingered over at Pretty Penny,
shopping uptown for Mothers Day after serving you
breakfast in bed,
Julie and I were in charge of the cereal,
and our older brother Jeff scrambled the eggs.
Our smiles when we found exactly
the jewelry we thought youd love,
and your wide grin and sparkling blue eyes
when you opened the neatly wrapped box.
You kept it close to your heart for all these years.
The diamond and ruby tennis bracelet from your mother
you wore with beauty and grace,
always remembering her
and how much you were loved.
Coral necklaces
a rich and deep burnished orange
against your white pantsuit, in the Bahamas,
sandy beaches and blue water by our side
as we called out for joy,
riding golf carts with you around the island.
Seafood dinners and sundresses,
sipping your Yellow Bird cocktail when you turned your head
and Julie, tipsy, kicking her heels up as you danced together.
Gold shell earrings, grandmas diamond and ruby ring,
worn on our night out, the two of us,
red wine and gourmet pizza,
chatting about families and your grandkids and life.
Bridesmaids movie at the local theater,
Its too slap-stick-y, you kept saying,
then watching you doubled over in laughter,
cracking up together.
The tiny, glittering red and green stocking earrings
shining on the silky gray lining of your jewelry box,
tiny pumpkin and ghost earrings for Halloween,
gifts we knew you loved,
and you never lost.
Its all
still there.
I lean closer to your brown, carved wooden jewelry box
scattered with pieces of you
and am shocked to find the scent of your Estee Lauder perfume
still lingering there,
as if you were standing next to me,
spraying the sweet cologne on your wrists
and putting on your makeup,
getting ready for a night out
while I poke through your jewelry box,
watching you get ready and smiling
together.
I sniff and inhale the fragrance
over and over,
trying to take it in and
keep it with me forever.
Now I proudly wear your jewelry,
keeping you with me, always.
Mom, Dad, Uncle Neil, Aunt Laverne
March 17, 2018
Silly Times at 1308 Maple Street
March 17, 2018
Mom having fun with family friends at a party
March 17, 2018
Mom, Dad, Julie, Cary, and Aunt Dee Dee in San Diego
March 17, 2018
Wedding love
March 17, 2018
Mom, Dad, and Betty Henderson, family friend
March 17, 2018
Mom preggers, by the tree
March 17, 2018
Mom and her mom
March 17, 2018
Mom and Jeff
March 17, 2018
Mom bathing Jeff
March 17, 2018
Mom in the kitchen at first house on Grand Avenue, 1060s
March 17, 2018
Mom waving in the Buddha cottage kitchen, Michigan
March 17, 2018
Family love
March 17, 2018
The two wedding moms tore up the dance floor!
March 17, 2018
Michigan Love
March 17, 2018
March 17, 2018
Mom, Julie, and me on carriage ride in New York
March 17, 2018
Mom and me at my 8th grade graduation
March 17, 2018
Mom on glass bottom boat in Bahamas
March 17, 2018
Mom and Sandy
March 17, 2018
March 17, 2018
Mom--a life well lived with plenty of love and fun.
Linda Leiter Wachter
February 11, 2018
Our prayers and thoughts are with you girls, your families, Uncle Marv and Jeff. Aunt Bon lit the room up with joy, humor and love. I really will miss my Aunt Bon, love you Aunt Bon. Love your niece, Linda and families
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Nancy Kidder Goldberg
February 11, 2018
We have been thinking about you. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting your mom at your wedding. I remember her to be so sweet. She will be missed!
Sonya Siedlaczek
February 11, 2018
Julie, I do remember being at your house and feeling a whole lot of love. Your sister shines in my mind as well as your parents. I am blessed to have met you all. Honestly you all are frequently in my mind as I grow in my own life. I reflect on your family a lot. Always fondly and happily in my memories
Anne Montana
February 11, 2018
I have such nice thoughts of your mom! She put up with A LOT with us. . A saint. Remember your house in MI and California Coolers? And all of the other crazy things? Your mom was very good to me. Sending my love. ❤❤
Heather Barnes Mellor
February 11, 2018
I am so sorry. I absolutely loved your mother! Biggest thing was how happy she always was. When we had sleepovers or dance parties ( watching the Rolling Stones, of course) she would be in the background laughing and so full of joy! She was always so welcoming. I am truly sorry for this chapter in your life. You and your family are in my thoughts. Sending you lots of hugs and strength. Xo
Carla Peknik
February 11, 2018
Bon Bon. Just thinking of her makes me smile. Always so warm and welcoming. Whenever we walked in, she was always so happy to see us, loved hearing about our exploits, and gave the best hugs that made you feel how important you were. That smile! And my favorite all time memory is her dancing at my wedding. We have her on video marching and laughing away. We've got to watch that again. The best! Love to all u guys ❤❤❤
Cheryl Swanson
February 11, 2018
Such a bitter sweet time. It pains me to see her go, however, I know she will be in a much better place, with no pain, and finally at peace. So many memories. I practically grew up at your house in Western Springs. Grandma Bacon would take me there every night. I remember aunt Bonnie making dinner for Louie, in the blender. I also remember her carrying him outside in the garage to go potty. Boy, did she love that dog. I close my eyes and can see her standing in the kitchen with her cocktail, jokingly saying to your dad, "shut up marv" and then giggling like a little girl. Such a beautiful soul. Always so happy and always greeting you with hugs that lasted forever. Thank you for being a part of my life. Please give Grandma Bacon a hug and kiss for me. I'm sure she will be waiting for you with open arms ... and maybe even a cocktail!
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Paula Sippy
February 11, 2018
Sending loving and peaceful thoughts to you all, especially your mom, Buns. I have fond memories of you and your family. Much love xox
Lanette Hess
February 11, 2018
I'm so very sorry to hear this news. I have so many fond memories of your Mom and how she and your dad welcomed me into your family. I will forever cherish my times in your family home as well as the many great memories I had at your place in Michigan such a beautiful place with an awesome family. May you find peace in your memories and each other. Hugs and love.
Heahter Boylan
February 11, 2018
I'm so sorry to hear this! So many memories--especially riding in the Cadillac with your mom and her little dog. Was his name Louie? Watching Grease and listening to Blondie at your house! Sending you all love and hugs.
Sarah Graham
February 11, 2018
John and I are praying!!! We love that dear BonBon. So hard to see and endure. Love your way to all of you!
Stephanie Kessler
July 1, 2017
RIP Aunt Bon! ❤ I loved to sit with her and just talk during our visits in Michigan. Thinking of you all.
Randy Wilson
June 8, 2017
I am so saddened to hear that this is the situation. I love your mom and I love all of you. One of the few people who has known me since I was born. I will always remember her and her beautiful smile. I'm praying for peace for all of you.
Gary Gresko
June 8, 2017
Love you all. Especially your mom and dad who were like parents to me growing up! Will never forget the Leiters as my 2nd family!
Marilynn Bergstrom
June 8, 2017
My beautiful friend - Always and forever in my heart. Thinking of you all - and all the life we shared together. Gonna make myself a golden cadillac, Bon, and remember all the good times we shared. Til we meet again. With love, from Marilynn and John.
Carla
May 5, 2017
Bon-Bon: You always made me feel so welcome and loved. You were always so excited to see us girls and hear about all the crazy stuff we were up to. Your genuine smile and your awesome hugs warm my heart when I think of you. You will be missed greatly.
Doris Svec
April 26, 2017
So sorry to hear about Bonnie's passing. She was a sweet lady who I had the pleasure of knowing when she attended Grace Lutheran Church in Western Springs. She always had a warm smile and she had an easy going personality, which made her a very special lady. to be around.
My heartfelt sympathy to her entire family and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
May God bless you all.
Deepest Sympathy,
Doris Svec
.
Todd Leiter-Weintraub
April 24, 2017
Beans,
I'll always remember your hugs and your laughter. Every time that I saw you, you had an abundance of both and shared them generously. Full of love and warmth for everyone you cared about. I miss you and will continue to miss you.
Love, your "son", Todd
Harriet Weintraub
April 23, 2017
Bonnie, I'll always remember " our silly dance" together at our children's beautiful wedding, uniting our 2 families forever!
And of course the love we share for our beautiful, brilliant and wonderful Grandsons
Grammy Harriet
Mom and Cary
Sharon Leiter-Weintraub
April 23, 2017
Visiting mom and dad with the boys
Sharon Leiter-Weintraub
April 23, 2017
Me and mom
Sharon Leiter-Weintraub
April 23, 2017
Family picture
Sharon Leiter-Weintraub
April 23, 2017
Family picture in the Bahamas
Sharon Leiter-Weintraub
April 23, 2017
Me and mom
Sharon Leiter-Weintraub
April 23, 2017
Sharon Leiter-Weintraub
April 23, 2017
Mom, I miss you and love you so much. Your loving spirit will always be felt here. Thank you for all you did for me and for your children growing up. You loved and cared for us and gave us everything you had to give. I will always try and be a person you can be proud of. We miss your hugs so much, but you will always and forever be in my heart. Love, your daughter Sharon
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511 S. Garfield Avenue, Traverse City, MI 49686
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