Dorothea Bonnell Obituary

Dorothea Bonnell

Born: March 8, 1914

Died: April 14, 2015

Dorothea "Teea" Kemman Scheef Bonnell, born in LaGrange Park, Illinois on March 8, 1914, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2015, encircled by her daughter and her four granddaughters, who adored her and have led their lives by her extraordinary example.

Teea was preceded in death by her parents, Ida Kemman Scheef and Irving H. Scheef; her brother "Sonny" Irving H. Scheef Jr.; her husband, Judson Frow Bonnell; and so many wonderful friends.

A beloved matriarch, Teea had ceaseless, unconditional love and support for her family. Teea always said that it was her greatest wish in life to be a mother and a grandmother. She fulfilled that wish so lovingly in raising her daughter, Kathie Sue Bonnell Martin; son, Richard Judson Bonnell; five grandchildren, Kristine Lynn Shmakov, Julie Kemman O'Brien, Leslie Anne Bonnell, Jennifer Lynn Bonnell and Andrew Michael Bonnell; and three great-grandchildren, Aleksander "Sasha" Shmakov, Kaitlin Kemman O'Brien and Lindsey Katherine O'Brien.

Teea was a stylish, beautiful, bright and happy spirit who loved interacting with people of all ages. She maintained an incredibly positive attitude throughout her 101 years, even through times of adversity. She had a deep affinity for the performing and visual arts, knitting, embroidery, antiques and nature, and she followed economics, politics and current events with great interest. She was sharp as a tack all the way to her final days, due in no small part to these interests and her masterful crossword puzzle and Scrabble playing.

Savvy in business, Teea's keen intuition and genuine curiosity about people, combined with her love of architecture, made her a stellar real estate salesperson for many decades. She had a way of making anyone and everyone she interacted with feel special. Teea made a lasting impact in the lives of those who had the good fortune to meet her.

After her husband Judson passed away, she lived independently in their LaGrange two-story home until she was 85. While Teea would miss her childhood home, she was excited to be closer to her daughter and granddaughter in Portland, Oregon. She moved into the Carman Oaks Retirement Residence, where she made many new friends and reveled in the natural beauty of the Lake Oswego area.

Our hearts are aching, and we already miss her beautiful hands joyfully stretched out to greet us, her smiling. sparkling eyes, and her wonderful sense of humor. We find comfort in having known and loved such an exceptional and caring woman.

Teea Bonnell will be buried next to her husband, Judson Bonnell, and alongside her ancestors at the Parkholm Cemetery in LaGrange Park, Illinois.

Information at 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com