Mary Lou Bonacci- Gill

Mary Lou Bonacci-Gill, LMSW “Bineshiinkwe” loving spirit was called by the Creator to be carried and is now joined with the Creator and the family, who have been waiting for her with open, loving arms on February 5, 2020. Mary Lou was born to Anthony Bonacci and Reatha (Miller) Bonacci on May 12, 1949. Mary Lou Joins her family before her including great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, sister Beverly Bonacci, and brothers Anthony (Janet) Bonacci, Vincent Bonacci. As the Matriarch of her family, she devoted her life to her children and family teaching them by example of valuing and loving others and themselves unconditionally. Mary Lou as a community member extended her gifts, skills, knowledge and values from the Creator as she pursued and spent her entire career as a Social Worker giving of herself to serve and assist in the Creator’s work to improve the lives of others by respectfully showing the choices available to walk the Red Road. She began her training in the 1970’s as a caretaker for the elders in Michigan and then moving to Little Rock, Arkansas in 1976 where she began her training in behavioral health at the GYST House and The Other Way. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work at University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Upon returning to the community in Michigan in 1991, she was instrumental in the development of the Behavioral Health programs at both the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. During that time, she also achieved her Masters of Social Work Degree at Grand Valley State University. Another one of her greatest joys with a humble heart are the years she was called to serve as a Professor of Social Work at Ferris State University to teach social work students how to serve others. Mary Lou married her devoted, committed husband David Gill on July 4, 1998 who honored and valued her Spirit. She truly loved and enjoyed living at the farm on the “Back Achers” with David and having many gatherings with family and friends. In addition to the farm, she loved to travel to visit family and friends, particularly her oldest son Michael and his family in Arkansas. In later years, she loved to spend the summers at her little cottage on Houghton Lake where she enjoyed many friendships. As the Matriarch of our family, David honored her request to be at the farm surrounded by her family and her little yorkie, Izzy for her final days in physical form. Mary Lou continues within each of us with her many gifts including big loving hugs, the best sense of humor, and a singing voice that carries us on. She continues to lead, and will prepare our place with her and the Creator when called which include her loving husband, David W. Gill, her loving children Michael (Anita) Bonacci, Maryellen (Steven Sinke) Bonacci, William (Trisha) Rasch II, honorary son Billy McKinley, grandchildren Mandy Masters, Willis Morris, Maria Bonacci-Hernandez, Michael Smith, Miaya Delis, honorary grandson Brayden McKinley, and great-grandchildren Alyssa Green, and Joshua Masters. Mary Lou also joins the parents of many special nieces and nephews including Tony and Patrick Craig, and Lucia Bonacci as well as cherished and loved many great nieces and nephews. The family would also like to extend many thanks to Munson Hospice Care, and particularly Bobbie Hart, RN. We invite everyone who loved Mary Lou to join with us at her Celebration of Life Ceremony on Saturday February 29, 2020. The ceremony with the Drum and participation to share stories will be from Noon to 1:00 PM with a feast following from 1 – 4 PM at the Kalkaska Moose Lodge 2210 M-66 in Kalkaska Michigan 49646. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to KAIR (Kalkaska Area Interfaith Resources) 321 S. Cedar St. Kalkaska MI 49646, for the residents of Kalkaska County are welcomed to continue Mary Lou’s services to the community. Miigwetch

Mary Lou Bonacci- Gill

May 12, 1949 - February 5, 2020