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Bonnie Sue Forsee
Bonnie Sue Forsee (Swan) passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025, at the age of 81. She was born in Hamburg, MO, on March 12, 1943.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Forsee; her parents, Herman and Irene Swan; and her sister and brothers, Peggy Pollard, Benny Watson, and Guy Swan.
Bonnie is lovingly remembered by her brother and sister, Laddie Swan (Jeri) and Wanda Quirk (Frank); her daughters, Jennifer Burkemper (Rick) and Cyndi Wade; her grandchildren, Sara Chaney (Chris), Lauren Butler (Shawn), Emily Burkemper (Sam), Brad Rector, and Lindsey Gittemeier (Quentin); and her great-grandchildren, Callie, Codi, and Bennett Butler; Charlotte and Cameron Chaney; and Maxine and Michael Scharenberg.
Bonnie worked for 40 years as a scalemaster at LaFarge, where she was known for her dedication and strong work ethic. After retirement, she continued to stay busy, working at Jackman’s Fabrics—a fitting place for someone with her love of sewing.
Quilting was her true passion—she was a proud member of the Happy Stitchers and Calico Needlers Quilt Guild, always creating beautiful pieces with skill and care. She could make just about anything out of fabric, and her talent brought warmth and joy to those around her.
Bonnie was an incredible baker—her homemade cakes, pies, and cookies were always a treat, and she took pride in making sure no one left her kitchen hungry. She had a natural talent for gardening, filling her yard with beautiful flowers and fresh vegetables year after year. When she wasn’t baking or tending to her plants, she loved to watch the birds out the kitchen window, always able to spot her favorites.
Bonnie also enjoyed a special creative bond with her granddaughter, Lindsey. Together, they ran the Etsy shop Bondsey Bands, making headbands in fun prints. Over the last six years, they sold tens of thousands of headbands, sharing their love of crafting with others.
Bonnie also cherished the time she spent with her girlfriends at quilting retreats, traveling to places like Kinderhook, Brunswick, and Paducah, where they shared laughs, stories, and their passion for quilting.
Per Bonnie’s wishes, there will be no funeral or visitation. A celebration of life will be held on May 3, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Peter’s Cultural Arts Centre, 1 St. Peters Centre Blvd, St. Peters, MO 63376.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Calico Needlers Quilt Guild (c/o Kathy Kelly, 3317 Woodsview Drive, St. Charles, MO 63303) are appreciated. Bonnie was a longtime supporter of the Calico Needlers Quilt Guild, where she lovingly quilted hundreds of blankets to bring warmth and comfort to children and adults in need.
What a kind, beautiful soul who will be missed by her quilting “sisters”.
To the Swan and Forsee Families: you all are in my prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. Bonnie was always a joy to see. Always had a smile on her face. Remember all of the good times you had with her and all of the memories you made.
Bonnie Sue I am going to miss you everyday. Who am I going to talk to about life.
Please say “Hi” to mom and to the rest of the family. Oh Bonnie you were one of a kind and my idol. What will I do without you.
I love you and I will always love you. Goodbye my dear sister.
Bonnie was the best! She had a love for life and always had some wisdom to share ❤
Her family will dearly miss her.
Sending love and light to all who knew her. She was one of a kind.
❤
Bonnie you know my family Ellen , Carolyn and of Course Wanda is my age but we all went to Francis Howell back then everybody knew everybody I had a lot of brothers and sisters and I knew you through Ellen and Carolyn Wanda is my lunch partner once a month with some other school friends like I said you will always be remember you through our memory’s 💐😞rest in peace no more pain 🙏
To the families of Bonnie Swan Forsee.
Our sincere condolences in your loss of Bonnie at this time. My God Bless you folks.
Patty, Arlie Reinwald
Jennifer, Cyndi, and your families – we will be joining you in the loss of sister Bonnie.
I will remember all the great times growing up in Hamburg – at times Guy and I did
not treat her like a sister! She will be missed by us and everyone she knew.
God bless each of you.