Bonnie Jean Brannigan obituary

Bonnie Jean Brannigan, 80, passed away peacefully in her home July 20, 2009.

Her memorial service will be a private family service and the family wishes to thank anyone who shared kindnesses with Bonnie during her life's journey. Bonnie was born March 5, 1929, in Oklahoma City, Okla., to Frank and Doreen (Barnes) Connors. She was orphaned at the age of 4. She was raised in St. Joseph's Orphanage in Brooklyn, N.Y. until her acclaimed escape of the wall at the age of 16. Bonnie married Bernard Paul Brannigan on Oct. 26, 1946, in Brooklyn. She lovingly nurtured three children, Patricia, Cheryl (Kelly) and Tyrone. Bonnie will always be remembered for her kindness, sensitivity and incredible spectrum of artistic talent. Her creativity and imagination were remarkable. She was also quite a seamstress, providing clothing for her children and grandchildren as they grew. She made her daughters stunning prom dresses and the most beautiful wedding gown ever. She enjoyed antique auctions, garage sales, shopping, music, old dolls, trinkets and cooking. She always said she could cook better than any restaurant so why eat out? Bonnie was an animal lover to the extreme. Any little critter was blessed to have roamed into her domain. Her special “kitty” kept vigil by her side until her passing. Bonnie was a social being and was loyal and giving to those who befriended her. Bonnie has truly been one of God's children, always taking others wel-being before her own and offering a helping hand. She always rooted for the underdog. She will be missed by all who have known her warmth. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard; a brother, Frank (Buddy) Connors; a sister, Anna Mae Macchia, and grandson, Sal Scielzo. Bonnie is survived by her children, Patricia Bannigan of Havre, Mont., Kelly (Daryl) Anez of Havre, Mont., and Tyrone Brannigan of Havre, Mont.; her sister, Shirley Habel of Durham, Conn.; three granddaughters, Julie Anez of Torrance, Calif., Jaime Anez of Billings, Mont., and Jessica Anez of Billings, Mont.; greatgranddaughter, Agnes Scielzo of Naugatuck, Conn., and greatgrandson, Kaiden Anez of Torrance Calif.