- Date Of Birth: October 30, 1952
- Date Of Death: May 25, 2021
- State: Iowa
Bonita (Bonnie) Marie Heideman, 68, of Des Moines, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her children after a 6-month long battle with Pancreatic Cancer.
Bonnie was born on October 30th, 1952, in Des Moines Iowa. She graduated from Urbandale High School in 1970. She spent her life working in retail as she had a love for beauty and fashion. Her true accomplishment and legacy in life were being a mother. If you knew Bonnie, you knew she was a fighter, and this battle was no different. Once diagnosed, she spent her precious time really living it up. Weekend slumber parties, family dinners, teaching her grandkids old recipes, a weekend away to her beloved Hotel Pattee, and a family vacation to the ocean- to fulfill her final wish of “feeling the sand on her feet, the summer sun on her face and her grandkids on her lap.”
Vivacious and full of life, Bonnie had a presence about her that drew everyone in. She loved and was loved by all, making each person feel special and important. The AA community was very much a second family to her. Helping her be her best self, Bonnie recently received her 10-year chip. She found comfort there being of service to others as well as the friendships she made. She was called to many spiritual circles as well, accepting everyone and anyone. Bonnie was a passionate activist her entire life. A staunch Democrat, the fight for racial justice, equality for women, and gender rights always caused close to her heart. Bonnie found purpose in her volunteer work with various organizations such as women’s rehabilitation centers, Unbreakable Bullies, the Greyhound Allianace, and humane society, just to name a few.
Bonnie was a foodie, a fashionista, and loved the arts. She marched to the beat of her own drum. You could always rely on her to answer the 1 am phone call, home cook you a delicious feast, sneak candy to the grandkids and stay up all night watching scary movies, because in her words, “what happens at Dega’s, stays at Dega’s.” She was the crazy glue that held her family together.
Bonnie is survived by her children Romy Corkrean (Brandon), Dory Warren (Devin), Molly Horton (Nick), Jimmy Crees, Mia Weber (Brandon), Brea Heideman-Maxwell (Erich Aschenbrenner), and Laura Skogman (step-daughter). The family had a very diverse meaning to Bonnie- naming Mickey Jackson her son as well. She will always be Dega (grandma) to Piper, Griffin, Ari, Amaya, Loren, Leila, Vivian, Evelyn, Brooklyn, and her two fur babies- Sage and James P.
She is preceded in death by her parents Richard (Dick) and Sally Heideman, and her brother James (Jimmy).
