Bonnie Kuciejczyk
Ms.Bonnie (Kuciejczyk) peacefully slipped into the loving embrace of God on Wednesday morning April 28, 2021. Songbirds sang outside her window. Bonnie always thought her birthday month was beautiful. She was born on April 10, 1940.
Ms.Bonnie loved teaching 1st or 2nd grade children for over thirty years. She was a gifted educator showering her students with love and excellence. She used most of her salary to create an in-classroom multi-cultural library and to buy other hands-on educational materials for her students. In these ways, she inspired children to read and learn and supported them in recognizing and loving their heritage. She was inspired by her Webster University master’s degree in education but no degree could teach her the ways she treasured her students and helped them be their best selves. She fostered kindness, peacemaking, and showing gratitude. Her classroom was filled with joy. Her student’s lights shone.
Bonnie treasured her family and they treasured her: her brother Joseph J. Kuciejczyk Jr, her sisters Carolyn K. Johnson, Janet Kuciejczyk,CSJ, Sally Lukasiewicz, and Madonna Kuciejczyk-Kernan, her brothers-in-law Gary, John, and Tom, her nephews David Kuciejczyk-Kernan, Joseph J.Kuciejczyk III, Chris, Peter,and Jon Johnson, John and Robert Lukasiewicz, her nieces Claire Wallenda-Zoppe’ and Rose Ann Kuciejczyk, their spouses, her great nieces and nephews, her great-great nieces and nephews, and cousins. She was greeted to eternal life by her beloved parents Joseph and Bernice Kuciejczyk.
She loved her family home and Cote Brilliante neighborhood. In her later years, she appreciated the care given her by the staff at St. Louis Altenheim and she often expressed it. Bonnie was a faithful friend and seeker of justice and racial understanding.
As she was dying we sang many songs to midwife her passage. One of them captures Bonnie through much of her life: “I’ve got joy like a fountain. I’ve got love like an ocean in my soul.” To honor Bonnie, live with the same spirit of joy, love, and gratitude. In her memory please consider donating to underserved children in your community. One possibility is Midtown Community Services 1202 South Boyle Ave. 63110. Bonnie loved butterflies. Please consider remembering Bonnie by growing flowers that butterflies love.
A memorial service will be held at a later time. Bonnie donated her body to St. Louis University Medical School.
Bonnie, we will miss you. Love Carolyn & Gary
Bonnie was always joyful and very funny! We taught together at Immaculate Conception in Maplewood. I learned a lot from her unique student-centered-teaching. Bonnie was a great friend who became friends with most of my family and was always welcome for dinner and other family gatherings. She was loved by many and will be missed. RIP Bonnie, who deserve it after your years of service to others.
Dennis Naegeli
Deepest condolences. What a beautiful spirit of love and light! Blessings on you Bonnie, and those who love and miss you, and those you loved.
Thanks for the wonderful obit and photo biography! I did not get to know Bonnie but had heard about her generous life. Praise God for her life-giving witness!
Bob Cushing Macon, GA
Thank you for sharing Bonnie’s life with all of us.
The slide show tells such a perfect story of the beautiful life that was Bonnie’s. She was certainly embraced by love during her life and generously gave it back to all around her. Now she continues her journey in God’s loving embrace.
May she rest in deep peace and remember us.
Thank you for sharing the obit and photos. We are all better Christians because of Bonnie’s life and witness. Continued thoughts and prayers for all the family.
The world is a better place because of her love, her joy, and her service to children. Thanks, Bonnie!
It’s already two weeks since you called me to come and pray and anoint and sing with Bonnie at the Altenheim. I had only met her a few times, but, of course, knew her through the rest of the family. My best insight into her was seeing the ten lovely children’s art pieces which were simply framed and hung over her bed. Maybe one or another of those young artists preceded her into glory and greeted her, but they all surrounded her with their love. Blessings on your family and the human family that was enriched by her life.
Bonnie’s spirit and joy will certainly live on — because of her years of teaching, sharing, seeking,
laughing and loving. May all who grew in her light share their love and joy, especially with children and
those who might be lonely. Our prayers for comfort and hope – for Madonna, Janet, Tom and all her
family. May her light live on in us all.
Love, Kim & Dan
Such a beautiful life! May the Holy Spirit comfort your family in every way.
Deepest sympathy to Bonnie’s family. A truly lovely woman, much missed.