Bonnie G. Sutphen, age 82, the beloved matriarch of the Sutphen clan went home to the Lord on May 13th, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones. Bonnie was born in Chicago, Illinois to John Calvin Sutphen Jr. and Dorothea Jane Sutphen (Aird). Bonnie’s greatest joy and blessing was her large close knit family and friends.
Boppy, as she was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was marked by love, compassion and unwavering faith in God. We ask that you remember her for the way her life was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those that had the pleasure of knowing her.
Bonnie grew up and attended school in Naperville and Jacksonville, Illinois. She graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1960. She continued her education at Knox College and received her B.A. from Illinois College in 1965. Along with being a dedicated mother to her four children, she taught 3rd grade in East St. Louis and later became a successful business woman in furniture sales and marketing.
Bonnie was predeceased by her parents and her son, John. She is survived by her children; Joan M. Berubé (Lou) of Groton, MA; Jeffrey C. Sutphen (Karen) of Sparta, NJ; and Jessica G. Edmondson (Jeremy) of Westminster, MA. Her grandchildren Louis R. Berubé of Keene, NH; Caitlynn M. Rogers (David) of Groton, MA; Andrew T. Berubé of Harwich Port, MA; Collin P. Berubé of Groton, MA; John “Jack” C. Sutphen and Kate A. Sutphen of Sparta, NJ; Christina G. Edmondson, Trevor J. Edmondson, Amber K. Edmondson, and Caroline B. Edmondson of Westminster, MA. Her four siblings, John C. Sutphen III (Linda) of New York, NY; Terry M. Sutphen (Paulette) of Champaign, IL; Douglas “Chip” C. Sutphen (Dianna) of Jacksonville, IL; and Patricia J. Trinowski (Doug) of Rochester Hills, MI. and many nieces and nephews.
Boppy loved being with her family, flower gardening, raking the beach, the mysteries of outer-space, feeding her flocks of wild birds, sitting on the dock, raft, or point at the lake, sunsets, campfires, sunrises at Nauset beach Cape Cod, gathering her friends in prayer, reading, playing competitive skip-bo and dominos, conversations, asking questions, traveling with family, knitting baby blankets, and sharing her deep rooted faith in Jesus. Most of all, with the widest smile on her face, she was her children and grandchildren’s biggest supporter, fan, and cheerleader. She dedicated hours upon hours enjoying countless academic, sporting, and music events and celebrated even our smallest triumphs.
Bonnie’s Celebration of Life will be held at Horizon Christian Fellowship, 356 Broad Street Fitchburg, MA on Tuesday May 27, 2025. Entrance at 356C or for elevator access 356B. Calling hours or expression of condolences will be held at Horizon from 4-6 PM directly followed by a Memorial Service. Flowers will be received at Horizon Christian Fellowship the morning of May 27 or a donation can be made in her name to the Fellowship.