Bonnie Lucille Madsen Jourdan

1924 - 2026

Bonnie Lucille Madsen Jourdan

Feb 9, 1924 - Feb 23, 2026

Our beloved mom and grandmother, Bonnie Jourdan, passed away peacefully in the early morning of February 23, 2026. Throughout her 102 years, she was positive, loving and affirming of so many people who have never forgotten her. Everywhere she went, from life as an Air Force wife, being stationed both inside and out of the country; in her 25-year career as a highly successful realtor; as a crackerjack duplicate bridge player; and as a consummate community theatre actor in Northern Virginia, where her talent was admired by many. She is remembered for her warm, loving nature and how she encouraged those around her. She welcomed everyone into her home and made them feel like they belonged and were welcome back anytime. She had a way of making everyone feel special. In her family she was known as the dog whisperer as dogs would flock to her and succumb to her charms (certainly never influenced by any treats that slipped their way) and her magic massaging hands.

Bonnie was born in Ettrick Wisconsin but lived most of her childhood in Richland Center, Wisc. Born to Agnes Pederson, a first generation Norwegian American, and Homer R Madsen, a first generation Danish American, she was the first of three girls. Her sisters, Mary Ann McCauley (Roland) and Joan Davidson (Kenneth) predeceased her. She was married to Duke Jourdan for 42 happy years before his death in 1987. She is survived by her daughter, Catherine Jourdan of Winston-Salem, N.C.; son, Bill Jourdan (Cambridge, Md.) and stepson David Jourdan (The Villages, FL). Her daughters-in-law, Brenda and Judy, loved her like a mother and their relationship was free of those monster-in-law stereotypes!

Bonnie adored her grandchildren and their partners and reveled in the joy of having a big, loving family - and they all loved to visit her as often as they could. She is the grandmother of Jeremiah Jourdan (Elliot Homburg), Holly McGarry (John), Caitlin Jourdan (Mark Marsico), Tori Jourdan (Louie Langanke), Mark Jourdan, Kerry McSperrin (Steve Jonesi) and Alissa Jourdan; great-grandmother of Jack and Evangeline McGarry, Kallie, Kassidy and Connor McSperrin, Lela Jourdan, and Odessa and Owen Jourdan; and the great-great-grandmother of Callum McSperrin. Bonnie also has many nieces and nephews who remember their "glamorous Aunt Bonnie" with love and fondness. Also feeling her loss is her devoted dog, Nacho, and many other granddogs.

Although we are sad, our family is grateful for the amazing life Bonnie led and for being a cherished part of her beautiful life. As we hear from more and more people who also loved her, we are beginning to see how profoundly she affected the lives of others. She was warm, welcoming, affirming, fun and funny, occasionally feisty, but mostly beloved by all who knew her. We invite you to honor her memory by finding ways to be kind, warm, welcoming and fun - like Bonnie. She would love that.

While Bonnie lived at home with her daughter, she was lovingly cared for by Heidi Kraft and Andrea Gilbert and to them we express deep thanks. The family is also grateful for the special care and attention she received the past year and a half at Vienna Village Assisted Living.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Little Theatre of Winston Salem, Forsyth Humane Society or St. Paul's Episcopal Church music ministry.

The Winston Salem service will be on Monday, March 16, 2 p.m. in the chapel at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Another service, date/place to be determined, will take place in No. Virginia. Condolences can be shared online at www.salemfh.com.

Salem Funeral & Cremation Service

2951 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106