Bonnie U. Parish

Bonnie U Parish, 86, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, March 22, 2022. She was born on July 14, 1935 to the late Frank and Catherine Parish, one of 11 children. 

She led a very full life, and was a woman ahead of her time.

She was in the WAC Women’s Army Corps, was a nun (briefly; she would only say it didn’t work out) and mentioned once or twice she had wanted to be a pilot, even taking flying lessons until she married Darwin Sampson in 1968. They had two children. They married twice, divorced twice and remained close, even living next door to each other until his health declined. 

Bonnie was a woman of love, service, charity, sass and good humor; a bright Light that even dementia couldn’t dim. Diagnosed in 2016, she moved to Liberty House in 2018. The family of Bonnie is grateful for the love and care she received over the last four years. It was never going to be easy, but knowing Mom was safe and genuinely cared for was a huge relief. Liberty House was her home, and by extension, it was also ours. Thank you for making us always feel welcome.  Generations Hospice provided compassionate care over the last two months. Thank you for keeping her comfortable through her transition. 

 She is survived by her children, Darwin Sampson and Kelly Jo Sampson (Jon); a granddaughter Rose (Edwin) Escobar and one great-granddaughter, Lucille Emilia Carol Escobar.

She is also survived by her sister, Kathleen (Roy) Moon; two brothers, Ken Parish and Larry Parish; three sisters-in-law, Mary Jane Parish, Gabby Parish and Diane Parish; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers and one sister.

Services: Bonnie’s family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, March 31, 2022 from 9:00 am to 10:45 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 200 S. Peters Avenue in Fond du Lac. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM. Entombment will be at Calvary Mausoleum.

Online condolences may be shared at www.zacherlfuneralhome.com