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Portrait of Loretta Yvonne Bonnie Taylor
IN LOVING MEMORY TRULY THE BEST MOM EVER

Loretta Yvonne Bonnie Taylor

December 30, 1946 – May 10, 2025
Lived 78 years
ELMWOOD · HAMMOND, INDIANA
THERES A CHEERIO UNDER THE BED...THANKS FOR THAT ONE DAVE B.
Life story

Bonnie Taylor passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 10th, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in Hammond, Indiana on December 30, 1946, Bonnie lived a full and devoted life grounded in family, laughter, and resilience. She was known not only for her fierce love and dedication but also for her quick wit, sharp sarcasm, and wonderfully dark sense of humor that brought joy and laughter to those lucky enough to know her.

Bonnie worked hard throughout her life, spending 20 years at Venture/Kmart and another 20 years at Community Hospital. Her strength, reliability, and generous spirit made her a cherished colleague and friend to many.

She was the proud mother of five children: Patricia (Mark) Alyea, Sue (Ed) Clauson, Charlie (Sandra) Taylor, Paul (Melanie) Taylor, and Rob Taylor. Her legacy continues through her 18 grandchildren—with grandchild number 19 expected in August—and 15 great-grandchildren, each one a treasured part of her heart.

Bonnie is also survived by her brother, Richard (Kim) Alyea, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Anne Alyea; her sisters, Janet Manka and Barbara Gillies; and her brothers, Terry Alyea and Leslie Alyea.

In Loving Memory of Bonnie Taylor

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The world Loretta knew

Family milestones in gold, history for context

1946
Born December 30
1947
Loretta was 1 when Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier
1959
Loretta was 13 when Barbie made her debut
1963
Loretta was 17 when Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech
1977
Loretta was 31 when Elvis Presley died
1982
Loretta was 36 when Michael Jackson released "Thriller"
1994
Loretta was 48 when "Friends" premiered
2001
Loretta was 55 when Apple introduced the iPod
2015
Loretta was 69 when "Hamilton" opened on Broadway
2022
Loretta was 76 when Queen Elizabeth II died after 70 years on the throne
2025
Passed away May 10, age 78
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Paul Taylor 33w

TRIBUTES FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Gramma, I love you more than I can ever say. I already miss you so much, my heart aches knowing I can't hear your voice and won't be seeing you soon. I will hold onto every memory we shared and how you played a vital role in making me who I am today. I love you forever, and I'll keep you in my heart always. Stephannie Paskevich May 15, 2025 I will miss you so much, I will always remember you teaching me how to dance to Bob Seger . A 'Hug' gesture was posted Patti May 13, 2025 Love you Momma, Yes, I will look in the backseat of my car before I get in. I miss you already. Love your favorite..Sue Sue Clauson May 13, 2025

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Paul Taylor 33w

TRIBUTES FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY

I truly can’t express how broken my heart feels in the loss of Grandma Bonnie. This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to go through, but I find comfort in knowing that she is now made new and better. Our hearts are heavy because we’ve lost someone so special, but we are endlessly grateful for the blessing of having had such a strong, loving person in our lives.Grandma Bonnie loved unconditionally, through all our -flaws and mistakes, because that’s just the kind of person she was. Her love didn’t come with conditions or requirements—it was always there, always steady, no matter what. And in her final moments, she did what she always did—she brought her family together. Saying goodbye was one of the most painful experiences, but as we mourned, we also laughed, shared stories, and leaned on one another. That’s the magic she had—the ability to make us feel connected, even in loss.She found comfort in the music she loved—listening to old Conway Twitty songs—and she was at peace, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Not everyone gets to leave this world with so many loved ones by their side. It speaks volumes about who she was and how deeply she impacted our lives.When I think of her, I remember the little things that made our bond so special—how she’d take me to line dancing classes when I was young, our countless road trips, listening to old country songs, playing rummy (even though she cheated), and watching movies together. My home life wasn’t always stable growing up, but Grandma Bonnie was my constant. No matter what was going on, we all knew we could come home to her and have a place to stay. To me, she was home.As we say goodbye today, I know she would want us to keep doing what she taught us—to come together, support each other, and love one another through it all. It’s not just about this moment, but about continuing to show up for one another, just like she always did.Grandma Bonnie, you’ll always be a part of us—your laughter, your love, and the way you made us feel at home. We love you, and we’ll carry you with us always.“There’s a Cheerio under the bed." Stephannie Paskevich May 15, 2025 Missing you already, Grandma. Thank you for all the card games (even when you cheated), the curled hair, and the love you gave so freely. I know you’re up in heaven dancing. Love you always. Beth May 14, 2025 Mom. I could go on all day about the things I already miss about you especially your joke of the day. However it seems you have passed me the torch and I've spilled my cereal on my shirt 2 days in a row. Love you always MAMA Paul Taylor May 13, 2025 My sweet gram cracker, i love you.Dont forget your dancing shoes on your way up, you can dance walk and run all you want now Corey May 13, 2025

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Paul Taylor 33w

TRIBUTES FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Hey Momma, Miss you every day.The place was packed, standing room only. Everyone loved you.Our hearts are broken, but comforted to know you are well, and we will see you again. God is good.If you see Conway Twitty, tell him "Hello Darlin". Love you Momma. Sue May 20, 2025 Missing you already, Grandma. Thank you for all the card games (even when you cheated), the curled hair, and the love you gave so freely. I know you’re up in heaven dancing. Love you always. Beth May 14, 2025 Ma, you sure are missed here, but we rejoice in knowing you’re dancing in heaven. I love you and miss you. Baby Taylor has the very best guardian angel. ❤️❤️ Melanie May 13, 2025 I'll always remember your laugh, I loved it! You always greeted me with a big warm smile, and always asked me how I was doing. I will miss you Bonnie. No worries, I will remind Sue always to look in the back of her car before getting in. ❤ Marty May 13, 2025

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ELMWOOD
HAMMOND, INDIANA
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