Bonita ‘Bonnie’ Maria O’Neill

Bonnie was born on October 21, 1945, in Marquette, a daughter of Peter and Delores (Kiltinen) Ellis. A lifelong Marquette resident, she attended Marquette Area Schools. On March 4, 1971, she married Thomas ‘Tom’ O’Neill, and together they built a home filled with love while raising their six children. In 1999, Bonnie and Tom renewed their wedding vows at St. Louis the King Catholic Church, celebrating their vows once again.

Bonnie enjoyed knitting, crocheting, playing bingo, and spending time browsing garage sales and thrift shops in search of hidden treasures. She cherished camping trips with her family and especially looked forward to traveling to Oregon to visit her daughter and grandchildren. A member of St. Louis the King Catholic Church, Bonnie found joy and meaning in her family.

Throughout her working years, she was employed by several local businesses, always remembered for her dedication. Above all else, Bonnie’s life revolved around her children and family, who brought her the greatest happiness.

She is survived by her loving husband, Tom O’Neill; five children, Brenda Humphreys, Deborah (Scott) Vanlerberghe, Tammy O’Day, Darrell Gutzman, and Dennis Gutzman Jr.; her sisters, Donna Grady, Linda (Charles) Cain, Sarah (Dennis) Swain, Bette (Chris) Yost, and Kathy Ellis; her brothers, Wilbert (Brenda) Carlstrom; sister-in-law, Debbie Carlstrom; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and very special cousin, Steve Gardner.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her daughter, Becky Ann Kalisch; son-in-law, Liam O’Day; sisters, Joyce Kantola; brothers, Edwin Carlstrom, David Ellis, and Peter Ellis Jr.; brothers-in-law, James Grady and Dale Kantola; her step-father, Wilbert ‘Harpo’ Carlstrom; and her parents, Peter Joseph Ellis Sr. and Delores ‘Honey’ Carlstrom.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025, at St. Louis the King Catholic Church beginning at 11:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 noon with Rev. Tom Merkel officiating. A luncheon will be served immediately following the Mass in the Father Gauthier Reception Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Cancer Care of Marquette County, P.O. Box 626, Ishpeming, MI 49849.

The Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com