Bonnie Pajda's Obituary
Bonnie Pajda
Bonnie Lou Nichols was born to Harl & Ruby Nichols (Hazlip) in Dexter MO, on August 26, 1936, the fifth of six children. Bonnie died on February 5, 2025 at the age of 88.
Preceeding her in death: husband Albin Pajda who died on December 19, 2012, brother Wayne Nichols and sister-in-law Glenda Nichols, brother Darrell Nichols and sister-in-law Marilyn Nichols,sister Velta Rice and brother-in-law James Rice Sr., sister Norma Avry, nephews Tom Nichols, Phillip Nichols, James Rice Jr.
Surviving to cherish Bonnie's memory: son Bruce and daughter-in-law Sandy, son Ron and daughter-in-law Cindy, brother-in-law Frank Avry, sister Lorna Kaiser and brother-in-law Tom Kaiser, Belleville, IL sister Carolyn Wolfson, Belleville, IL, and many nieces and nephews.
Dearest Grandchildren: Jonathan & Jackie Siddle, Belleville, Kevin & Becky Siddle, Millstadt, IL, Brittany Siddle, Branson, MO, Ryan & Laura Siddle, St. Charles, MO, Erica & Dillon Strittmatter, Maryville, IL, Alex Siddle and Adam Siddle, Columbia, IL.
Cherished Great-Grandchildren: Dallas, Adelle, Ethan, Cora, Zealand, Emma, Carter, Jason, Arya, Daisy, Alice, Henry, Wren and Rhett.
Bonnie was employed by Illinois Bell where she worked in operator services and later became the secretary to the District Manager. Her boss and coworkers honored her with a retirement party, grateful for her 32 years of employment in her key position to the Illinois Bell administration, which eventually became AT&T.
In January of 1976, Bonnie married the true love of her life, Albin Pajda, and had reached 36 years of marriage before his passing. Al was of Polish heritage and they often enjoyed dancing to Polish polkas in their basement and even traveled to Poland on vacation. They frequently traveled to Las Vegas as well as Jupiter, FL to watch their favorite Cardinals in Spring training.
Bonnie loved being a member of St. Matthew Church, where as long as her health allowed, she sang in the Chancel Choir and participated in The Joy of Easter and the Glory of Christmas. She loved Jeannie Swenson and all who faithfully held Bonnie up in the prayer chain.
The past two years, Bonnie was a resident at Cambridge House Assisted Living in Swansea -- those friendships meant a lot to her. Special thanks to Bria of Columbia, the nurses at Memorial Hospital of Belleville and especially Chaplain Doug Stewart. Much appreciation to BJC Hospice for their outstanding care.
Funeral visitation will be held Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at Leesman Funeral Home in Millstadt from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Funeral service will be at 1:00 PM with Kevin Siddle officiating. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Fairview Heights, IL. where Bonnie will be reunited next to her loving husband.
In lieu of flowers, any donation are respectfully appreciated to St. Matthew Church of Belleville.
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