Bonnie Jane McCarthy

Bonnie Jane McCarthy, age 77, of Munising, died on Sunday morning, December 20, 2015 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on April 4, 1938 in Detroit, Michigan to George and Jane (Ward) Cooley. In 1943, the family moved to Munising and Bonnie graduated from Wm. G. Mather High School in 1956. She married Jerry Flanders in 1958 and together they raised their three children. Bonnie graduated from Western Michigan University with a B.A. in English. She taught school in Germfask, Michigan; Albion, Michigan; Columbus, Ohio; the American International School in Nigeria; Carson City, Nevada; and New Brunswick, New Jersey. Bonnie then earned her Master's Degree from Rutgers University's School of Gerontology. She served as the Director for the Y.W.C.A. of Middlesex County's Nutrition Project for the Elderly. Bonnie also helped coordinate volunteer activities where the elderly would tutor, knit, and stay involved with the community. Bonnie married John "Jack" McCarthy on November 7, 1992. She and Jack served on numerous boards in the New Jersey communities in which they lived. Bonnie retired as the Executive Director of Community Services for Ocean County in New Jersey. Fifteen years ago, she and Jack moved to Munising and Bonnie enjoyed being near Jean, "her beautiful baby sister who was fun, loyal, and smart." While in Munising, she was a member of the Munising Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and spearheaded the sewing of teddy bears for children when they came to the hospital for care. Bonnie enjoyed quilting, going to garage sales, gardening, reading, and traveling. One of her most favorable trips was the trip she took to Napa Valley.

Bonnie is survived by her children - Deirdre (Ed) Heffner of Flemington, New Jersey, John Flanders of Munising, Michigan and Jennifer (Mike) D'Amato of North Brunswick, New Jersey; five grandchildren - Mary Heffner of Denton, Texas, Ted and Charlie Heffner both of Flemington, New Jersey, Erika D'Amato of Boston, Massachusetts, and Nicole D'Amato of North Brunswick, New Jersey; sister and brothers-in-law - Jean and Ed Mattson of Munising, Michigan and George Summersell of Saratoga Springs, New York ; nieces and nephews - Julie, Ed, Matt, Dan, Julie, and Charlie; and numerous great-nieces and nephews. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents Jane and George, husband Jack on June 12, 2012, sister Julie Summersell, and niece Melanie.

Visitation will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Saturday, December 26, 2015 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Bonnie's funeral service will be conducted by Pastor Jim Robb of the First Presbyterian Church and Pastor Sandra Kolder of the United Methodist Church. The funeral service will be at the First Presbyterian Church in Munising on Sunday, December 27, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. A fellowship luncheon will take place at the American Legion following her funeral service. Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising on Sunday, June 5, 2016 at 2:30 p.m.

Memorials are requested to be made to the Alger County Animal Shelter, Bay Cliff Health Camp, or the First Presbyterian Church.