Virginia "Ginny" Olson-Bonner

MADISON-Heaven gained another angel, we lost our beloved Ginny on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017.  Ginny was born on Nov. 11, 1921, in Madison, the daughter of Clarence and Clementine (Dempsey) Olson. She was the eldest of eight children. Ginny grew up on the East Side of Madison in the Eken Park neighborhood and spent many childhood years in "The Bush" visiting family.  She attended Emerson and St. Bernard Elementary Schools, and graduated from Madison East High School in 1942.  Ginny loved to travel, having visiting Ireland 35 times and ten other countries.  She worked for Oscar Mayers for 35 years.  Ginny was proud of her Irish heritage and was named “Irish Person of the Year” by the Dane County Shamrock Club in 1983.  She enjoyed being an Irish dancer for many years and never missed the Madison St. Patrick's Day Parade where she was named the oldest participant for 15 years.  Ginny married Donald Bonner on May 29, 1948, and together they operated Bonner's Body Shop on Stoughton Road until his death on Oct. 26, 1980.  She was a charter member of St. Dennis Church.  Ginny is survived by brothers, James Olson, Danny (Betty) Olson and Michael (Lesa) Dempsey Olson; sisters, Margaret Cass and Sara (Terry) Anderson; 18 nephews and nieces, Cyndie Olson, Judy Olson, Nanci (Don) Tibbetts, Kathleen (Joe) Gunta, Jeanna Olson, Michael (Debbie) Olson, Lis (Bob) Green, James Olson, Jr., Dan Olson Jr., Gary Olson, Tim Olson, Richard (Carol) Cass, Anthony Cass, Robert Cass, Tammi (Ramon) Natera, Terri Dobson, Mark (Kelly) Olson and Missy Olson McHenry; 29 great-nephews and nieces, Anna, Donald, Amy, Clayton, Meghan, Joe and Christopher (Gunta), Amber, Leslie , Vicki and Christopher (Green), and Lisa, Kevin, Melanie, Sean, Tony, Nicolina, Kassandra, Jon, Madison, Aden, Mia, Justin, Micheal, Mary Anna, Scott, Melissa and Mark; 24 great-great-nephews and nieces; and special companion, Blackie.  “She was the best aunt you could have”.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Don; brothers, Raphael and Clarence Olson; brother-in-law, Bernie Cass; sisters-in law, Jeanne and Marcia Olson; nephew, Andy Gunta; niece, Michelle Cass; and goddaughter, Sherri Wipperfurth.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, 2017.  Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017, and at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday.  The family would like to thank Nancy and her St. Dennis Respite Care Team and her care takers, Kelly, Nicolina, Mary Anna, Carol, Sonya, Carolyn, Taiji and Debbi. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420