Bonnie Ann McDowell, 95

Bonnie Ann McDowell, 95, of Coeur d’Alene, passed away peacefully Sept. 18, 2025, at the family home built by her family and friends in 1955.

Born in Coeur d’Alene on May 11, 1930, Bonnie spent her early years in Rathdrum and Tacoma before graduating from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1948. She attended college from 1948 to 1950, earned an associate’s degree and met her future husband, George, in choir. The two were married Dec. 15, 1952, at St. Thomas Catholic Church.

While George served in Korea, Bonnie worked at Kaiser Aluminum and later devoted herself to raising their six children. She lived a life of service — working elections for 55 years, participating in Beta Sigma Phi for 70 years and serving in Catholic Daughters for over six decades. She also volunteered with the American Cancer Society, St. Thomas Soup Kitchen, and the local hospital auxiliary.

Bonnie was known for her generosity and strong values. Her home was always open to anyone in need, and she helped her children run a paper route passed down through the family for 22 years. One of her accomplishments was earning her pilot’s license when the Coeur d'Alene airport was still located where the Kootenai County Fairgrounds now stand. She had a love for travel, music and gardening — always finding joy in the beauty of the world around her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cleve and Adeline Gaine; her brother, Clayton; her husband, George; her son, Randy; and her daughter, Maria. She is survived by her children, Michael, David, Gloria and Larry; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two nieces.

A funeral Mass will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of North Idaho or St. Vincent de Paul in her memory.

Bonnie will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her strong faith, kindness, and unwavering love for her family and community.

English Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.