Bonnie Opalewski, 64, of Zeeland, MI, passed away surrounded by family on September 13th, 2017, after a short battle with brain cancer. Born on May 20th, 1953, to Donald and Shirley (deBolt) LaPierre, Bonnie grew up in Saginaw, MI, surrounded by family. She graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1971.
On October 24th, 1975, she married her best friend and partner for life, Richard (Rick) Opalewski. They would continue this friendship for the next 42 years of life, through countless moves, jobs, and other life challenges—despite it all they were constant companions and each other’s biggest supporters.
Bonnie worked in secretarial / administrative positions at Ottawa County, State Farm, and most recently at Shoemaker Heating and Cooling. She retired in 2016, and eagerly returned to her creative roots—she was excellent at sewing, crocheting, knitting—as well as spending time with her grandchildren, and recently, great-grandchildren.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her father, Donald LaPierre, mother, Shirley LaPierre, and son, Matthew Opalewski. She is survived by her husband, Rick; two daughters, Wendy Schippers and husband, Mike, of Anderson, IN; Stacy Walsh and husband, Vinny, of Grand Rapids, MI; two sons, Ryan Opalewski and wife Amanda, of West Olive, and Eric Opalewski and wife Katie Ramsey, of Indianapolis, IN; five grandchildren: Brianna, Eli, Sophie, Annabelle, and Charley; two great-children: Aubrey and Arden; two brothers: Donald and Joseph; and one sister: Pamela.
A service will be held on Saturday, October 7th, at 11am, at St. Francis De Sales, 171 W. 13th St, Holland, MI, with a luncheon to follow at Boatwerks Restaurant, 216 Van Raalte Ave., Holland, MI. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for memorials to be made to Gilda’s Club, 1806 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504.
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