Obituary of Susan Evelyn Bonokoski

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It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our precious mom and grandma, Susan. Susan died peacefully in her sleep in the early morning of September 10, 2020. The last year of our mom’s life had been difficult with her diagnosis of ALS. Even in the face of her certain fate, Susan remained brave. She never expressed pity for herself, instead giving gratitude and strength to those who cared for her. Susan was a humble woman who never wanted to burden others with her troubles and fears. 

Susan Evelyn Truman was born in 1950 in Midale, SK. Susan was the seventh of ten children and the youngest girl. In 1970 Susan married Ron Bonokoski and together they had 3 children, Carol, Sandra and Alex. Susan and Ron lived a bit of a vagabond life in their early marriage, moving across Canada following Ron’s work; each child born in a different province. Susan readily adapted to this adventure. To be a wife and a mother was all that she had ever dreamed of and wanted. The years that her children were young were the happiest of her life. She loved being a mom. She loved making a home for her family. Looking back through her school report cards, it’s no surprise that she excelled in Home Economics class and not so much at Math. She loved to cook, bake and sew for her family and to teach her children. All 3 of us kids could read before kindergarten and she taught us to be respectful, polite and well mannered. These things were important to her. Of all of the places that our family lived, Mom loved the North best. We lived in Yellowknife from 1973 to 1976. Yellowknife remained a very special place to our mom. In her last months, we would play music from that time in the North and she would become overwhelmed by the happy memories it brought back to her. 

As much as our mom loved being a mom, she also loved being a grandma. Her heart was so full of love and pride for her three grandsons, Quinn, Jake and Marek. She had an appreciation for the unique personalities of each of her precious boys. Grandma Susan loved spending time with her boys and hearing all about their lives. 

Our family settled in Clavet, SK in 1980. Susan would eventually come to be the administrator of the village, a job well suited to her friendly personality. Susan was well loved and respected by the community and made many long lasting friendships.  

Susan was predeceased by her husband, Ron Bonokoski in 1989. She is survived by her 3 children, her eldest daughter Carol Evans, and her sons Quinn and Jake; her middle daughter Sandra Bonokoski; and her son Alex Bonokoski, his wife Heather and their son Marek. Susan leaves to mourn 8 siblings, Verna Pengelly, Don Truman, Jean Bernard, Doug Truman, Helen Marcotte, Mae Lawrence, Lois Robinson and Norman Affie. Susan had many nieces and nephews who were all very dear to her. Susan maintained a connection to our dad’s family and she loved and was much loved by this large clan as well. 

It is difficult at this time to hold a celebration gathering of the size and scope that Susan’s life deserves. For now, her children would like to express our deepest gratitude and love to all of those who also loved our mom and to those who were lucky enough to have had her in their lives. We know that our sadness is your sadness. She was a special woman and will be so greatly missed. Susan’s struggle and fear is over. She has peace.

In memorial of Susan, our family asks that you make a contribution, either monetary or of your time, to the charity of your choice. The ALS Society is particularly significant to us, but Susan would want you to support what is dear to you. 

There will be a private Celebration of Susan's Life on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. For those wishing to watch the service please go to Susan's tribute page at www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com where you may also leave condolences. A larger Celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2021 once Covid 19 gathering restrictions are lifted.