Bonnie Wilson

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Bonnie Kathryn Loso Wilson, who has left this earth to be with those who have gone before her. Words cannot fully express the profound impact Bonnie had on the lives of everyone who knew her. She lived life on her own terms, always with a smile on her face, and had an extraordinary ability to bring people together.

Bonnie loved many things in life, but nothing brought her more joy than gathering friends, playing bridge, and, of course, beating her sons at cribbage. A quote that perfectly captures her spirit is: “Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here, we might as well dance.” This mindset was at the heart of her beautiful perspective on life, and it will continue to inspire us all.

Born on February 6, 1945, in Lowville, New York, Bonnie shared her birthday with her mother, Alice. She was the youngest of three daughters, following her sister Rosemary by nine years and her sister Betty by twelve. Bonnie often joked that her arrival kept her parents, Theodore and Alice Rutledge, from having a “boring” retirement. From a young age, she was spirited, humorous, adventurous, always caring for others.

After graduating from Lowville Academy, Bonnie began her nursing career in Watertown, New York, where she met John Wilson Sr. They were married in1965 and embarked on a grand adventure together, eventually settling in Missoula, Montana, after a brief stop in Moab, Utah. It was here that Bonnie and John started their family. Their sons, John Jr. and Brian, were the greatest treasures of her life. Bonnie’s commitment to her children was unwavering, and she showed them the purest form of love and selflessness.

Bonnie embraced the Wilson family with open arms, and they, in turn, embraced her as one of their own. Bonnie became a key figure in helping raise 21nieces and nephews, always there for her brothers and sisters-in-law, helping to plan and prepare for countless family gatherings with warmth and hospitality.

Her professional career was just as diverse and fulfilling. Bonnie worked for St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula, owned and operated the Art Attic, and was a founding employee of Partners in Home Care. She also worked as an office nurse for Dr. John Everett and later became his caregiver in his final years. Bonnie was a founding stakeholder in the Missoula All-Night Senior Party in 1984 and was always a passionate volunteer for many causes she believed in.

Bonnie was also a huge sports enthusiast. She ensured that her sons were always involved in sports from a young age, never missing a game or practice. Looking back, we realize how much these experiences shaped who we are today both in our careers and in our personal lives. It was just one of the many selfless acts of love that defined her as a mother.

Bonnie was incredibly proud of her sons and their accomplishments. She cherished her daughters-in-law, Laura and Stephanie, as though they were her own daughters. But her greatest joy was being a grandmother. She adored her grandchildren Blake, Zach, Lia, Brooke, and Jack and was a constant presence in their lives, supporting them through graduations, first communions, sports events, and countless memories.

In 1995, Bonnie found love again with Ed Engebretson. After some gentle encouragement from Ed’s mother, Anna, the two discovered they were a perfect match. Bonnie’s outgoing personality and Ed’s laid-back style complemented each other beautifully. Together, they spent over 20 years traveling, RVing, hiking, dancing at festivals across the Northwest, and enjoying winters in Yuma, Arizona. Bonnie loved their adventures, the new friendships they made, and even the trips over the border. As she often said, they “filled each other’s buckets.”

Bonnie was deeply fond of her trips back to New York to visit family, especially her Henry relatives, whom she held very dear. Those connections were incredibly important to her, and she made sure to share how much she cherished them. Even in her final years, she continued to nurture those relationships, always ensuring that her family knew how much they were loved.

In her passing, Bonnie wanted to express her regret for not being able to respond to everyone in her final days. She simply found it too difficult to say goodbye. But she wanted everyone to know how much she loved them and to encourage us all to continue spreading love and joy in everything we do.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Alice Loson, her sister, Rosemary; her first husband, John Wilson Sr.; and her second husband, Ed Engebretson.

She is survived by her two sons, John Jr. and Brian Wilson, and their wives, Laura and Stephanie; her 5grandchildren, Blake, Zach, Lia, Brooke, and Jack; as well as many extended family members and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Bonnie’s love, warmth, and laughter will remain in our hearts, and her legacy of kindness, joy, and selflessness will continue to inspire us all.

The funeral services will be held at Christ the King Church in Missoula on Saturday November 30th, at 2:00 p.m. with a celebration of life to be held at Mullan Hall at the Broadway Inn approx. 3:30 p.m.