Obituary of Bonnie Jean McBride

Bonnie Jean Lajiness was born on February 19, 1932, in Monroe, Michigan.  She was the daughter of Verl Lajiness and Julia (Cousino) Lajiness Cordrey.  She was employed for some time at Siegel’s prior to marrying Robert "Mickey" McBride on April 25, 1953, at First Presbyterian Church.

Being the mother of five children, Bonnie remained quite busy caring for the needs of her family as a homemaker.  She helped to raise her children in a Christian home.  Later in life, she became a member of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church and at that time was baptized and had a reaffirmation of faith.  In 1978, the same year as her son Kevin, she was proud to have completed Adult Education classes and earned her diploma from Jefferson High School.

Bonnie was an expert conversationalist.  She loved people and she loved to talk.  She was known to have quick wit and a great sense of humor.  She loved her grandchildren and cherished any time that she spent with them.  For decades she enjoyed watching the Game Show Network and was an avid fan of “Dancing with the Stars”.  She liked board games and was a sports fanatic, loving all of the Michigan Teams.  She especially kept up with the Detroit Tigers, Lions, Wings, and the University of Michigan.

Throughout life, Bonnie embraced transitions with her head held high and with a positive spirit.  She made her home at Frenchtown Place Apartments where she enjoyed engaging in card playing.  She was also active with bingo at the Monroe Center for Healthy Aging.  For the past four years she had made her home at Wellspring Lutheran Services where she thrived in her new surroundings.  At Wellspring, she received exceptional care and was treated like family. 

Bonnie Jean McBride, age 92, of Monroe passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday; November 20, 2024, at Wellspring Lutheran Services.  Her passing was preceded by her parents; her stepfather: William Earl Cordrey; her beloved husband: Mickey on July 15, 2003; four siblings: Dale Lajiness, Freddie Cordrey, Edith Lajiness, and Richard Lajiness; a cousin: Shirley Wilder whom she thought of as a sister; two sons: Charles and Kevin McBride; two daughters: Amy and Julia McBride; a grandson: Alex McBride; and a great grandson: Gary Allen Keck.

To cherish her memory, she leaves a daughter: Julie (Todd) Prill of Monroe; a daughter-in-law: Shelly McBride-Litten (Chad Litten) of Croughton, Ohio; four grandchildren: Ryan Keck, Daniel Keck (Kelsey Widner), Ava McBride, and Spencer (Adena) Prill; seven great grandchildren: Gavin Keck, Nolan Keck, Gage Schwartz, Banks Keck Widner, Boston Widner, Bronx Widner, and Berkeley Widner.

Friends may gather from 10:30am until 1:30pm on Saturday; November 30, 2024, at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070.  Brunch will be served for those in attendance.  A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 1:30pm also at Merkle’s with Pastor Roy Southerland of Lambertville Community Church officiating.  Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle.  Cremation has taken place through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan, a division of Merkle Enterprises, Inc.

Memorials for those who desire are suggested to Samaritans Purse.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.