Bonita L. Daggett

COTTAGE GROVE - On Friday, April 28, 2023, surrounded by family members, my Lord and Savior sent His angels to take me to my heavenly home.

Those who knew me have likely heard my life story. I was raised on a farm, the fourth oldest of 10 children. My parents were two of the hardest working, selfless, loving and nurturing people a family could have. They taught us the results of hard work, perseverance, the importance of family and appreciation for what we had. It wasn't until years later that I would realize how blessed I was.

My seven sisters and two brothers were friends, playmates, confidants, mentors and as my need for more assistance increased as my disease progressed, they were my chauffeurs and caretakers, especially Donna, who did it all. I'm so grateful for all the help and support each one of you provided me.

I graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1971. From 1972 until the time of my retirement, I worked for the State of Wisconsin, and enjoyed and cherished the friendships I made during those years. In 1976 I married my high school sweetheart, and we welcomed our son, “D.J.” Derek, and daughter, “Dani” Danielle, in 1978 and 1980, respectively. I regret that I wasn't able to be a stay-at-home mom and be in their lives more while growing up. They were my pride and joy and I had so many wonderful times following their sports. I was so immensely proud of all they accomplished. My son and loveable DIL, Kim, made me a grandma with the birth of my granddaughter and grandson in 2012 and 2015, respectively. Needless to say, they have brought the sunshine to my otherwise stormy days and given me a reason to face my health battles with positivity. I was diagnosed in 2000 with a brutal autoimmune disease (CREST) a variant of scleroderma and later pulmonary hypertension. Before I was connected to oxygen 24/7, and before my own grandbabies were born, I was able to be surrogate granny to some babies and toddlers who didn't have grandparents nearby. I met so many wonderful families and enjoyed taking walks to the park, rocking and reading to them and many games of Candyland and Match game. We stayed in touch, and they sent updated pictures.

I was an avid sewer and crafter, and knitted and crocheted until my fingers and hands were crippled by this awful disease. I enjoyed watching the Packers, Brewers, Badgers football and men’s and women's basketball, hockey and volleyball.

Through my years of struggling, I was truly blessed to have been treated by an incredible number of compassionate, dedicated medical experts that treated me like a family member, especially Drs. Bruce, Couser, Kriege, Niebler, Lomeli, B. Anderson and Dr. Runo and Amy Chybowski, NP. There were so many doctors, nurses (especially those on D6/5th floor), respiratory therapists, EMTs and other specialized staff that have been my angels on earth. I have had an incredible number of friends and family who have reached out to help me throughout my battle and I can't thank you all enough for your love and support.

I leave here on Earth my siblings, Donna Windscheigl, Linda (Chuck) Bollig, Barbara (Dan) Smith, Dennis (Anne) Bork, Mary (Lonn) Hendrickson, Steven Bork and Lynette (Andy) Hanson; my two wonderful children, D.J. (Kim) Daggett and Dani; and the loves of my life, Brinley and Brooks, my grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Waiting for me in heaven are my parents, Vernon and Rita Bork; my sisters, Diane Hollis and Patty Bollig; grandparents; a great-niece; and many aunts, uncles and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH, 434 N. Main St., Cottage Grove, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 13, 2023, with Father Brian Dulli presiding. A private burial will be held at St. Patrick Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in my memory to the National Scleroderma Foundation, the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, the American Red Cross, the Dane County Humane Society, the Luke House Community Meal Program, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or do an act of kindness for someone. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420