Bonnie Rowinsky

Our hearts are broken as we announce the passing of Bonnie Ann Shinault Rowinsky,
who left this world peacefully into the arms of Jesus on July 19, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida at
the age of 84. Her final breaths were not taken in silence or solitude, but in the hands of her
devout husband and granddaughter, Isabella Hamilton after holding the love of her light of her
life, Dixie, one last time.
Bonnie was born in Surry County, NC. She is the youngest of 13 children- A fire cracker
from the beginning. Her bold spirit, strong values and immense heart shaped the world around
her. Not only did she adopt her daughter, Lisa; but she also adopted a granddaughter who
became a family friend. She also played a vital role in the upbringing of Dixie, her great
granddaughter. She proved over and over that love was not defined by biology. Over the years,
many memorable moments took place as Lisa and Bonnie both shared a passion for working in
the medical field. They shared many nursing jobs together across North Carolina and
Tennessee including psychiatric, long-term care and home health. Bonnie encouraged Lisa to
get her RN, and Lisa found her calling in life. Due to Bonnie's inspiration, not only did she
change the world, but so did Lisa. Both remarkable nurses, they changed the world together-
one soul at a time.
Bonnie was guided by an unshakeable Christian faith that lit every step she took. Her
faith could move mountains and frequently did so. Her Bibles were always worn and her prayers
never ceased. She served God with all of her heart and soul. She lived firmly in her beliefs and
loved without limits.
Bonnie was not afraid to speak her mind- and did so with humor, heart and a magnetic
presence that lit up every room she entered. She had the gift of seeing people deeply and who
they truly are. She often picked up gifts and small items in stores that reminded her of someone
she loved. Everything she gave, she gave from the heart. She was the kind of woman who
spoke to strangers as old friends, never let anyone go hungry, and took the role of
mother/grandmother as top priority in life.
Bonnie was very classy, kind, funny, and full of life's most important wisdom. She didn't
just make people feel loved, she made them feel seen. She was a healer in every sense. As an
end of life/ long term care nurse, she held hands into the next life, offering peace when others
were too afraid.
Originally a hair dresser, she ran an in-home salon making people feel beautiful inside
and out. She went back to school at the age of 50 and earned a bachelors in Nursing, beating
the odds, proving it's never too late to chase what sets your soul on fire.
Bonnie was a nurturing soul, both personally and professionally. She was always
feeding others whether it was with food, comfort or love. She lived a life with purpose, joy and
unwavering faith.
Bonnie's passions were as vast as her love. She was a passionate Marine wife who was
beyond blessed with a green thumb and an exponential love for animals. No matter what kind of
life form it was, she loved everyone and everything beyond measure. From the Blue Angels in
the sky to the giant oak trees on the ground, she found joy in the small things in life. She adored
gardening, house hunting- even when not in the market for buying, and her dogs. Her great
dane, Toby, named after Toby Keith held a special place in her soul. She loved playing
Nintendo, drinking fresh hot coffee (always black), and never met a bargain she could turn
down. She was the queen of sales and clearance. She could never resist a good sale.
If she loved you, you knew it. She had a special place in her heart for Dixie, Dakota and
Evelyn- her beloved great grand kids. As a vital role in helping raise Dixie, she truly did live her
days for Dixie. She would not take her final breaths until she got her final time her soul needed
with Dixie. In her final moments, she was not afraid because she was held. She waited until
everyone who needed to be there was there and took 3 soft breaths. She was told it was okay
to let go, and she peacefully transitioned to Heaven. Her passing has left a hole in the world that
nothing can fill. Her legacy, her laughter, her stories, her stubbornness, and her love will echo
through the hearts of every person she touched. She loved like Jesus, spoke like fire and left
the world softer than she found it.
Bonnie is preceded in death by her mother and father, Pearl Hawks Shinault and Bosun
Shinault; Sisters Mary Ray, Evelyn Shinault, Beatrice Wall, Violet Mitchell, Ruby Shinault, Betty
Kiger, Wilma Marion, Faith Shinault, and Mabel Beck; Brothers John (Daniel) Shinault, Rufus
Shinault, and Ted Shinault. Bonnie is survived by her devoted husband and proud Marine, Bob
Rowinsky. Daughter Lisa Hardy Taylor (John); Grandkids Amanda McBride (Joshua Ray),
Brittany Hope Kilby, Isabella Hamilton, Aaron Taylor and Shawn Taylor; Great grandkids
Dakota Hamilton, Dixie Hamilton, and Evelynn McBride; Nieces Kathy Marion Garber (Tim) and
Wendy Shouse (Ty); Nephew and special nephew & cousins, Buddy Snow (Molly, Waylon &
Whitley) and Cousins Angie Shinault and Wilbur Shinault. Special family friends: Kaylee
MacKenna Smith (Dshawn, Kaybree and Kaylani) and Brittany Nicole Collins (Israel, Madison,
Mason, Z and Eden).
Visitation will be held at Pensacola Memorial Gardens at 2:00 on Wednesday, July 30th,
followed by a celebration of life service. Family and public are welcome to attend.