Jo Bonell

Jo Marie Bonell, 69, beloved daughter of the late John and Jeanine Bonell, passed away on September 21, 2025. Loving sister to Marianne (Jump), Margaret (the late Thomas) Suerth, Kathy (Aaron) Crane, Jerry (Barb) Bonell, and Carolyn (Tim) Saylor. Jo attended St. Ignatius grade school and St. Scholastica High School, where she served as Student Council President. Jo subsequently graduated from Loyola University's theater department and attained her JD from Loyola. After practicing law in Chicago for many years, she returned to school for her Masters of Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois Champaign. Her recent years as Library Director of the Des Plaines Public Library brought her great joy and fulfillment. Her favorite hobbies were reading, gardening, traveling, listening to the Beatles, and laughing with her many friends. She is lovingly remembered by her 11 nieces and nephews: Max Suerth, Madeline (Pete, CFD) Bargiel, Anthony Suerth, Nathan (Zoey) Crane, Harry (Allison) Crane, River (Alivia) Crane, John Bonell, Nick Bonell, Molly Bonell, Elizabeth Saylor, and Jack Saylor, and her great nieces and nephews: Tommy Bargiel, Amelia Bargiel, and Olive Crane. Jo will be remembered for her humor, generosity, and devotion to her friends, co-workers, and family. She never denied a request for help. She was the most fun aunt ever.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 10AM until time of service, 12PM, at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 185 E. Northwest Highway, Palatine. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Jo's name. For info, 847-359-8020.