Bonnie M. Shourek

Bonnie M. (Lambert) Shourek passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 29th at UW Swedish American Hospital. Bonnie was born to Everett and Edith Lambert on May 24, 1950, in Monticello, Iowa. She graduated from Monticello Community High School, Class of 1968. Bonnie married the love of her life, John on March 21, 1970, also in Anamosa. The couple welcomed their two daughters as a result of their union. Bonnie retired from her legal secretary career of over 50 years spanning firms from Iowa to Illinois.

Moving to IL in 1972, Bonnie was an active member in the Welcome Wagon Club until her girls were in middle school. Bonnie and John were active in the square-dancing community with the Merry Mixers as well as learning to round dance through the 80s and into the 90s. As their girls grew Bonnie volunteered with the Jefferson High School Fans Association from 1985 until her youngest graduated in 1991. Bonnie continued her charitable work while a member of Winnebago County Association of Legal Secretaries, participating in fundraisers for scholarships, donating business appropriate clothing for various women’s assistance programs in the Rockford area, working at shelters feeding the homeless, and adopting angels during the holidays to ensure underprivileged children in the Rockford area received gifts. She was also a member of the Rockton Lions Club for a period of time working at the Old Settlers Days festival.

Her greatest love was her family and spending time with her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Bonnie’s claim to fame was her deviled eggs and her potato salad, both of which will be greatly missed at family gatherings. Bonnie often worked a second job prior to retirement to help provide things for her children such as college tuition, musical instruments, and lessons. She was almost always in the audience for her children’s band concerts and pom performances. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and she was the glue that held the family traditions in high respect. Many great family memories revolve around a certain Carpenter’s Christmas album.

Bonnie enjoyed reading, ceramics, knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch, and many other crafts. She created homemade baby gifts for friends and family over the years. She participated in many local holiday craft shows. She took great enjoyment in her Friday night card club, attending craft shows, and her favorite TV shows. After retiring Bonnie and John traveled often with her sister and close friends to such places as Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, The Caribbean, and Europe. Cruising on the ocean and being on a beach were two of her favorite things.

Bonnie is survived by her husband of 53 years John; her daughters Karen (Stephen) Martin and Jennifer (Jamie) Loven; Grandchildren Emily (Ricky Hernandez) Hornsby, Alex (Lauren Navarra) Hornsby, Kaylee Loven, Kaleb (Mena Galvan) Loven, Keaton Loven, Nicholas Martin, Jordan (Nick Rice) Harvey; Great-grandchildren Lilliana Loven, Darius Harvey, Callahan Rice; Sister Judi Siebels; and her fur babies Cierra, Sonny, Missy, and Beau. She was predeceased by her parents, three sisters, son-in-law, and granddaughter.

A public visitation will be on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. Services arranged by Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, Rockford, IL. Memorials can be made in Bonnie’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.