Marilyn Lyke Bonace, 83, passed away at Warren General Hospital on Thursday, May 26, 2016 after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. Recently diagnosed, she handled her illness with grace and dignity, and went on to a better world and her just reward with courage and strength. She has been surrounded by loving family and friends since her diagnosis as well as Hospice Staff and Volunteers for which her family is extremely grateful to have known.
Marilyn was born on March 14, 1933 in Midway, PA to the late John and Rosalia Riehl Lyke. She attended schools in DuBois and Warren, PA. She was a graduate of Warren Area High School, Class of 1951. Marilyn was employed by Sylvania Electric Company and Morrison’s, here in Warren at various times in her life, but her most important achievement and her greatest joy and passion were found in being a mother to her two daughters, a grandmother to her grandson, and a homemaker for her family.
Some of her achievements included being an exceptional seamstress for her children, family and friends over the years.
She had a knack of turning a house into a beautiful home and had the opportunity to do so on 4 different homes during her married life while living in Warren, Bradford and DuBois, PA. She had a real pleasure for gardening and working in her yards over the years. She was a great cook and always saw that her family enjoyed meals together in their home. Being an interested parent in her children’s education, she was always ready to volunteer being a homeroom mother or serve in other capacities in her children’s schools. She saw the value and importance in education and instilled those qualities in her two daughters.
Marilyn always found fun holiday activities for her children to take part in at home, and those were special memories for her children to recall growing up. Her children were her world, and they never doubted that for a moment. Her daughters were blessed to have her for their mother. Marilyn also had an infinite capacity to care for animals, and dearly loved her two dogs, Jenny and Annie. Marilyn made the most of every day, and provided her family with many memories to cherish.
Marilyn was married to her high school sweetheart, Dennis L. Bonace, and they just celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on March 15, 2016. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Warren, PA., and the Warren High School Class of 1951 Women’s Lunch Club.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her infant brother, John Lyke, Jr., and her beloved daughter, Brenda Bonace Martin.
Besides her husband, Marilyn is survived by her daughter, Pamela Bonace Lyle (Gregory) and grandson, Brendan S. Lyle, her sisters, Jacqueline Johnson, Jean Swanson (David), Margaret Kay Mahaffey (Donald), several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA., on Sunday, May 29, 2016 from 6 to 8 P.M.
A private family funeral service will be conducted at the convenience of the family with Rev. Jeff Ott, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, officiating. Interment will be at their family plot at Oakland Cemetery.
Those wishing to place memorial donations for Marilyn, may do so through Paws Along the River, 212 Elm Street, Warren, PA. 16365 or Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Avenue, Warren, PA. 16365 or a charity of one’s choice. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com.
Dear Denny and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. May the Great God of comfort be with you at this sorrowful time.
In sincere sympathy,
Muriel Valastak
Missing you already, Aunt Marilyn!! I still remember your twinkling eyes, and the beautiful dresses you used to make us.
My love and sympathy goes out to the family.
God Bless You all.
Thank you, Amy…love you….
Pam
Denny, I’m sorry to read of your loss. I know that she will be missed by friends and family. Please be assured that you and the family will be in our thoughts and prayers.. May you draw comfort from that.
Denny, We are very sorry to hear about the loss of your wife. While I never knew her personally, the obituary was a beautiful tribute to the kind of person she was. We will keep her in our prayers.
Denny, Pam, Gregory and Brendan,
Grief teaches us that
LOVE is not one dimensional.
LOVE carries on even after death
LOVE is what keeps us connected
Fortunately, LOVE never dies
We carry LOVE with us always, in our hearts.
Denny you obviously know love to have enjoyed 64 years with your bride. You and Marilyn were a testament to the meaning of love.
May your hearts remain filled with love and wonderful memories of joyful times together.
May God’s peace and comfort, and most of all His presence be overflowing to all of you at this difficult time.
Please accept my deepest sympathies and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thank you very much for your kind words, Elaine.
They are very much appreciated.
Pam
You have my deepest sympathy for your loss and my heart goes out to your family. One day this will be undone and you will embrace Marilyn again under better conditions. Acts 24:15 & Psalms 37:29. Know you are in the thoughts and prayers of many. Sending my sincere condolences.
So very sorry for your loss. I was friends with Pam and came to your home in my younger days . Mrs Bonace was always very sweet . Please tell Pam I send my condolences to her as well.
Dear Flo,
It was so good to hear from you. My mom would have appreciated that very much. I hope
that if you come to town, we can get together and catch up with one another. I wish you all the best…
Love,
Pam
Mr. Bonace , Pam and Family…So sorry for your loss. Prayers to comfort you during this difficult time. Fondly, Sharie Van Gilder
Sharie,
Thank you for your kind words. I hope all is well with you. God bless.
Love,
Pam
Dear Pam and family,
Just read this in the paper and your mother sounded like a wonderful woman, so blessed to have her. You have my sympathy during this difficult time of loss. My father passed away on my birthday, April 12 of this year. It was sudden and unexpected but very peaceful. We will all cherish the wonderful memories of our parents who have passed and they will live on in us. God bless you.
Christy (Thompson) Darr, college friend
Christy,
I was so glad to hear from you…such a wonderful surprise after all these years. It meant a lot to me. If you come to town, I would love to see you. Penny has come once a year to visit me since I lost my sister, Brenda, in 2008. Maybe we could have you visit at the same time.
Greg and I are in the phone book, so look us up if you can. Hope all is well with your family.
Love,
Pam