On the morning of July 11, 2023, Bonnie Lee Nelson passed away at home after a three-year battle with breast cancer. She was surrounded by her family during her final days.
Bonnie was born in Helena Montana on November 26, 1954, and adopted on March 10, 1955, by her loving parents Ronald Lee and Grace Mackay Shockley of Great Falls Montana. With the adoption of Bonnie’s sister, Cindy Lou, in 1961, the family of three became a complete family of four.
Bonnie graduated from Great Falls High in 1973 and went on to attend one year of college at the University of Montana. She began working at Blue Cross of Montana where she met her future husband, Curt Nelson, in 1975. They were married in May 1978. She transitioned to a stay-at-home mom when daughter Sheena was born in January 1983. In May 1985, son Todd was born. The family relocated to Helena Montana three years later.
Once the kids were in grade school, Bonnie worked part-time as a teacher’s aide at Helena Middle School and a couple of years at Albertsons. With 21 years at the Helena Flight Standards Office of the FAA, she retired as the Administrative Officer in April 2019. Her enjoyment of retirement was sadly cut short when the diagnosis of cancer came only a year later.
Over the years Bonnie’s multitude of interests and hobbies evolved from sewing and stained glass to making jewelry and greeting cards. She loved life and cherished the times she was able to spend with her family and closest friends. Some of her favorite times were simply spent sipping coffee on the deck amidst the peacefulness and beauty of her flowers.
Bonnie was proceeded in death by her mother Grace Shockley, father Ronald Lee Shockley, and by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Bonnie is survived by husband Curt Nelson of Helena, daughter Sheena of Tigard Oregon, son Todd of Antioch California, grandsons Logan and Enzo of Antioch California, sister Cindy (Dan) Kenczka of Great Falls, nieces Amie (Cole) Kenczka of Billings and Erica
(Zane) Van Lieshout of Great Falls, sister-in-law Carla (Ron) Starry of Nampa Idaho, nephews Dylon (Jennifer) Starry of Nampa Idaho, and Bryon (Nicole) Starry of Nampa Idaho. Special thanks to Dr. Weiner, Dr. Hill, Dr. Bigger, and to all the wonderful nurses of St Peter’s Cancer Treatment Center. Moreover, thank you to the truly amazing staff at Compassus Hospice who provided such special care during Bonnie’s last three weeks of life.
Per Bonnie’s wishes, there will be no funeral, but rather a Celebration of Life that will be held from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 16th at the Lewis and Clark Taproom, 1535 Dodge Ave. in Helena. In lieu of sending flowers, the family requests the consideration of making a charitable donation to either the American Cancer Society or the Mayo Clinic.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Saturday September 16, 2023
Lewis and Clark Taproom
1535 Dodge Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Saturday September 16, 2023
Lewis and Clark Taproom
1535 Dodge Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Jennifer (Hutchinson) Lipe says
I have such fond memories of Bonnie, and the copy of “The Chosen Child” that she and Curt gave me is still one of my most treasured possessions. I love you all and sending good thoughts during this difficult time.
Charlene White says
Sheena, I was so saddened to hear of the passing of your mom. You and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers. May the beautiful and fond memories of her give you and your family moments of peace as you mourn passing. Much love to you all.