Bonnie Lee Chretien

1942 - 2025

Bonnie Lee Chretien
Born: June 2, 1942 in Detroit, MI
Died: June 18, 2025 in Ottawa, IL
Bonnie Lee Chretien, 83, of Ottawa, formerly of Dearborn, Michigan, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 18, 2025, at Pavilion of Ottawa.
Bonnie was born on June 2, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, the middle daughter of Lawrence and Mae Straass. She attended St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dearborn, where she was baptized and confirmed. She graduated from Edsel Ford High School in 1960. Bonnie worked for Delta Air Lines, where she met her husband, Norman Chretien. The two were married on May 1, 1965, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Wayne, Michigan. She became a homemaker when their first child was born. Once their children were old enough, she worked for many years at Howard Elementary School, first as a lunch lady and cashier in the cafeteria, then in childcare for the district latchkey program.
Together, Bonnie and Norm raised their family and lived in Dearborn until 2016, when they moved to Ottawa to be closer to their children and grandchildren. She was a good cook and made a mean zucchini bread, which she loved to share with everyone. She loved animals; dogs, especially golden retrievers, the family pet parakeets, as well as cats, hummingbirds and butterflies. She loved music, especially Neil Diamond. She enjoyed bowling and played in several leagues over the years. She also liked gardening and crafting. She enjoyed traveling, especially the vacations spent with Norm's side of the family in Biddeford, Maine and her side "Up North" in Alpena, Michigan. She was an avid reader, which she passed down to her children. As Mémère, she always found joy in watching her granddaughters shine in all their various activities.
Bonnie is survived by her husband of 60 years, Norman Chretien; their daughter, Laurie (David) Daniel; their son, Chris (Rachel) Chretien; their granddaughters, Julia and Erin Daniel and Lily and Mia Chretien; her sister, Glee Boersma; her sister-in-law, Loraine Chretien; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Sherry Brackett; and other family and friends. Bonnie loved and cherished her family and friends and we will all dearly miss her.
Bonnie's family would like to thank Vitas Hospice and Pavilion of Ottawa for their wonderful and compassionate care throughout her struggle with Alzheimer's. Memorial contributions may be made to Vitas Hospice. To share a memory, please visit www.gladfelter-roetker.com or Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home on Facebook.
A memorial service for Bonnie will be held at a later date. Per her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home has been entrusted with her care.