Bonnie Lou Davies

Bonnie Lou Davies

June 01, 1929 - January 20, 2025

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Obituary

MADISON - Bonnie L. (Stater) Davies, age 95, of Madison, WI, died on January 20, 2025, at Prairie View Manor in Footville, Wis. Born on June 1, 1929, in Wauwatosa, Wis., Bonnie graduated from Berlin High School where she met her future husband of 62 years, Donald K. Davies.


Predeceased by her beloved husband, Dip, on January 7, 2011, he was the Features Editor of the Wisconsin State Journal in Madison, Wis., for 38 years. While raising their family as members of Lake Edge United Church of Christ in Madison, both enjoyed years of friendships while traveling with their WSJ family and Don’s activities with the Madison Zor Shriners.


Surviving them are their four children, Darcy (Peter) Ortuso of Springfield, N.J., Jeff (Becky) Davies of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Kevin Davies of Janesville, Wis., and Timothy (Mary) Davies of Melrose, Mass. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, Emily (Joe) Ortuso-Kochiss of Corpus Christi, Texas, David Ortuso of Plainsboro, N.J., Austin (Jessica) Davies of  Peoria, Ill., Chase Davies of Virginia Beach, Va., Carson ( Kiza) Davies of Rockton, Ill., Kyra (Kyle) Marshall of Roscoe, Ill., Colton Davies of Minneapolis, Minn., Bridget (Dan) Davies-Soulliard of Mystic, Conn., and Brendan Davies of Melrose, Mass.; and many nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren.


Bonnie loved family gatherings, making her home a special place where all would come together to share generations of stories and memories with much love, humor and joy. In a home with a naturally funny husband and an uncontrollable giggle response, Bonnie was surrounded by laughter. Along with her duties as wife and mother she enjoyed years of working as an Executive Secretary for the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Following retirement, she worked part-time for Children’s Service in Monona, Wis.

 

There will be a private family memorial at a later date. Her cremation was handled by Gunderson Funeral Home of Madison.


Please make donations in her name to your favorite charity or organization. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420


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Bonnie
PD
Patty (Beck) Dundas
Other •
To Darcy, Jeff, Kevin, Tim & Extended Family, (From Patty Beck- Dundas). It’s been many years since I saw your mom. Dot certainly enjoyed meeting up with her at Heritage. I remember her exactly as Dot described. Your Mom was a kind lady with such a warm smile and infectious laugh. God called home a true angel. Sending my condolences. Patty
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Gail Geib
Other •
Bonnie was a work colleague of mine, back in the days of the old Extension Health & Human Services Department 40 years ago. She was friendly, classy & kind, & oh, that giggle! I was blessed to know her.
SC
Sandi Capps
Other •
I have so many memories of your mother while growing up on Hegg Avenue. I think she was the mother all of us wished we could have. My thoughts and prayers for all of you. Sandi Olson Capps
ES
Elizabeth Swingen
Other •
Davies family. I was so sorry to read of your mom's passing. She was a sweet lady as I remember when I was a kid, and I was privileged to get to know her again while doing her hair at Manhattan Hair Designs. What great family and neighborhood stories we were able to share from years ago. Again, so sorry, Liz Swingen
LH
Laurie Hartjes
Other •
We had such fun and memorable times at our family gatherings! It was a gift to have an aunt so welcoming, inclusive, and lighthearted amidst the noise and inevitable jumble of people and pets. In quieter moments, Bonnie was the family archivist, an avid reader, and a deep thinker. She was also a thoughtful listener and encourager-in-chief. She fought the good fight for 95 years while remaining at all times a supportive and deeply loving family member who will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. Laurie and family
BG
Beth and Rick Godfrey
Other •
To all of the Davies family, we are so sorry for your loss. As neighbors for four decades, Bonnie holds a very special place in our hearts. We had so many good times together but favorite memories include her fabulous stories of Madison (especially east Madison) “back in the day”; her carefully constructed wide-ranging “theories”; her legendary ability to see EVERYTHING that happened outside her front window (including the night time streaking meteor in 2010); her play-by-plays about the antics of mice with her pills and the comings and goings of the resident bats; her garage sales continuously stocked with the most interesting vintage items ( S&H stamp books, A&P teapots, Don’s Navy Blues to name a few); and her reactions to the nanny cam. We miss her fellowship, her good humor, her grace, and her dear friendship and will cherish this beautiful photo and our memories of her. Fondly, Beth and Rick Godfrey

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