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Bonnie Jean Whelan

1931 - 2025

Bonnie Jean Whelan obituary, 1931-2025, Mount Vernon, Wa

BORN

1931

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Hawthorne Funeral Home - Mount Vernon

1825 E. College Way

Mount Vernon, Washington

Bonnie Whelan Obituary

Mount Vernon, WA - Bonnie Jean Whelan October 20, 1931- August 5, 2025 Bonnie passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025, in Mount Vernon, WA. Bonnie was born to George and Emma Thomas in Bellingham, WA on October 20, 1931. She graduated from Bellingham High School in 1949. After high school Bonnie went to work at Pacific American Fisheries in Bellingham, WA and then moved to Northwest Cedergreen Frozen Food Brokers in Seattle, WA.

Bonnie married Burton Whelan on April 3, 1960. Once married the couple moved to Everett where daughter, Kellie, was born. In 1968, they moved to Burlington. Bonnie worked at Skagit Valley Community College until her retirement.

Bonnie is survived by her daughter Kellie (Terry Tollefson), numerous nieces and nephews; and special caretaker and friend, who was like a daughter, Rusty Collins. Bonnie is proceeded by her parents, George and Emma Thomas; husband Burton, brothers Clifford Thomas and Neil Thomas, and sisters Harriet Axlund and Ruth Grunhurd.

A special thanks to Roxy Jewett who took great care of Bonnie and Burt over the years.

Also, thanks to the staff of Where The Heart Is in Burlington where she resided for the past two years.

At the request of Bonnie there will be no services.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Cancer Society.



To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Skagit Valley Herald from Aug. 23 to Aug. 24, 2025.

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2 Entries

S usan E Tinker

August 25, 2025

Bonnie was my stellar, caring, funny, and devoted secretary at Skagit Valley College. I don't know how I could survived without her amazing skills. She knew everything and everyone who had anything to do with our office. But she was more than a secretary. She was a confidant and a friend. We shared many good times and laughs together. She never held back if she had an opinion to share! When we first were together she said, " I have never worked for a woman before! I was on notice. The faculty who worked with us thought the world of her. They knew who really ran the office. The world has lost a precious lady.

Brenda Young

August 22, 2025

Bonnie was my very cheery aunt til the end of her life. I always enjoyed her family stories of the past, especially tales of growing up with her sisters & brothers. Our kids always looked forward to visits with Bonnie & her interest on their lives. Favorite memory for me is our hours long card playing days especially rummy! Rest in peace, Bonnie. Love, Brenda

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Funeral services provided by:

Hawthorne Funeral Home - Mount Vernon

1825 E. College Way PO Box 398, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

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