Bonnie E. Taylor (née Swank)

Passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the age of 78.

Bonnie is survived by her two devoted daughters Tracie M. (Joseph) Ward and Michelle M. (Mike) Kerschbaum. Her six cherished grandchildren Sarah (Geno) Sanchez, Rachel (Ryan) Pescitani, Mary-Kate (Sean Poqutte) Ronchetti, Christian “Max” (Julia) Terlep, Hannah (Nick Andrews) Terlep and Connor (Stephanie Morris) Terlep. Her six adored great-grandchildren Liam and Lilianna Sanchez, Ryker Pescitani, and Georgia, Rowan, and Grace Terlep.

She was preceded in death by her parents Bernard and Mary Swank, her son-in-law Ronald Pilon (2020) and her dear friends Vivian, Nel, and Pat.

Bonnie was born in Galesburg, Illinois, and grew up in Joliet. Bonnie was trained as a professional hairdresser and worked at Town & Country Coiffures. She had the unique privilege of styling hair for many celebrities performing at the historic Rialto Square Theatre. Following her career in hairdressing, Bonnie transitioned to roles as an administrative assistant at the University of St. Francis and Joliet Catholic Academy, from which she retired in 2011.

An avid crafter and cook, Bonnie had a love of cooking, canning, and crocheting beautiful pieces for her family and friends. She enjoyed listening to 50s music alongside both vintage and modern country songs. Above all, her greatest passion in life was her family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was also a devoted dog lover who was never without a dog biscuit in hand to share with the pets of family and friends.

Her family is grateful and thankful to the University of Chicago Cancer Care Team and Lightways Hospice for the compassion, kindness and attentive care shown to Bonnie throughout her battle with cancer.

Memorial services will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Rd., Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bonnie's name to Lightways Hospice will be appreciated. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 9:00 A.M. until time of services.