Shirley Ann (Jepson) Bonnell

Shirley A. Bonnell, 89 passed away peacefully November 18, 2020. She was born April 23, 1931 as the oldest of triplets in Melrose, MA. She is the daughter of the late Warren Jepson and Louise (Eldridge) Jepson and is survived by her triplet brother Robert Jepson of Saugus, her triplet sister Marilyn (Jepson), sister Elinor (Jepson) Leffingwell of Guilford, CT and brother Kenneth Jepson of Peabody, MA.

After graduating from Melrose High School in the Class of 1949, she attended Chandler School of Boston a private, professional training school for women established in 1883. Upon graduation, she began her medical secretary career until her marriage to the late Robert Verne Bonnell in 1956. It was at this time, she embarked on her life-long journey of “unconditional love” and to raise a large family! Her life of unconditional love was bestowed upon her surviving six children, Bradford W. Bonnell and his wife Tammy of Milford, MA; Richard V. Bonnell and his wife Pamela of Swedesboro, NJ; Michael R. Bonnell and his wife Carol of Bellingham, MA; Robert L. Bonnell Sr. and his wife Lisa of Harrisville, RI; John J. Bonnell of Milford, MA and her only daughter and best friend Bonnie L. Morais and her husband Rob of Holliston, MA. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Strolls down the bike path with her son Mike and discussing their gardening are his fond memories of her unconditional love. At a very difficult time when her son Rob became a single father with four very young children, she was there to help every step of the way. Unconditional love. There had been numerous times where her children and grandchildren needed help, she was there with unconditional love.

Shirley worked various jobs after raising her children, but nothing was more rewarding and garnered more friendships than the many hours she spent working at the Milford Senior Center. She ran the weekly bingo games, created crocheted dolls for the gift shop, but more than anything she loved working three or four days a week in the Meals on Wheels program that delivers food to home bound seniors. She was recognized as the Senior of Year for 2012. Unconditional love.

The family will be holding private memorials. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Friends of the Milford Senior Center, 60 N Bow St, Milford, MA 01757.

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