Mary Bonda passed away peacefully on September 14th, surrounded by her loving family.

For the past 32 years, Mary was married to the love of her life, Craig Bonda. They met later in life, and together they built a beautiful family and a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. Mary and Craig were always a team and each other’s biggest supporters. They loved their three children deeply and were devoted to supporting their children and one another through all of life’s joys and challenges.

Mary and Craig were fortunate to travel together and share many wonderful experiences. Mary especially cherished this time and would have loved nothing more than to continue seeing the world with Craig. As Parkinson’s eventually limited their ability to travel, the memories they made together remained especially precious.

Mary lived her life with a genuine desire to help and care for others. Her career in sales allowed her to build meaningful relationships and spend her days working with people, something she truly enjoyed. Helping others was not simply part of her career—it was part of who she was.

Mary experienced the heartbreaking loss of her oldest son, Steve, 43 years ago. Through her own grief, she found a way to help others facing the same unimaginable loss. She spent time working with a group of families who were struggling with the loss of a loved one, offering understanding, compassion, and the comfort that comes from someone who truly understood their pain. Mary was a faithful friend of Bill W. – she devoted considerable time to mentoring women, sharing her experiences, encouragement, and wisdom with those around her.

In her free time, Mary volunteered at the hospital gift shop. Whenever there was an opportunity to work with people, offer support, or simply make someone’s day a little brighter, Mary was often the first one there. She had a remarkable ability to turn her own experiences into compassion for others.

An avid reader, Mary was always curious and interested in learning. At one point, she even began working on writing a book—a reflection of her creativity, imagination, and desire to share her experiences and thoughts with others.

Mary was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her devoted husband, Craig Bonda; her children, Regina Higgins (Keith), Matt Miokos (Lori), and David Harrell (Sam); and her three beloved grandchildren, Megan Grimes (Jon), Zach Higgins, and Ellis Harrell.

Mary is also survived by her siblings Jim (Gail), Evelyn, Tom (Gwen), Joe (Nancy), Rick (Susan), Rita, and Donna (David).

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Steve; her sisters Regina (Bruce), Pat, and Bernadette; and her brother Mike (Lynn).

Mary will be remembered for her generous heart, her strength, her compassion, her adventurous spirit, and her unwavering willingness to help others. She spent her life reaching out to people in need, offering a listening ear, encouragement, and hope. Whether through her career, volunteer work, mentoring, or simply being there for someone, Mary made a difference.

Above all, Mary will be remembered for the love she shared with her family. She and Craig were partners in every sense of the word, building a life together and standing beside each other through every chapter. Their 32 years together were a testament to the love, friendship, and devotion they shared.

Mary will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. And while the loss is profound, her family finds comfort in knowing that after 43 years, Mary and her beloved son Steve are finally reunited.

Her love, kindness, adventurous spirit, and compassion will live on in all those she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you make a donation to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in the name of Mary Bonda.

A visitation will be held at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187, on Monday, November 9, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m.