Bonnie Jean (Mabee) Manning

Fredon Twp:  Bonnie Jean Manning passed away surrounded by her family, on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at her residence in Fredon Township after a long illness.  She was 81 years of age.

Bonnie was born 1944 and raised in Dover by her parents Wilfred and Lois Mabee. She was a graduate of Dover High School and earned a business degree from County College of Morris. She moved to Byram Township in 1985 with her late husband, Robert Manning.  She recently moved to Fredon Township in 2023.

Mrs. Manning was an accountant for Silver Burdett & Ginn, a textbook publisher for over 30 years, retiring in the late 1990's.  Her greatest life's work, however, was being a mother to her 3 boys and "Grandma Bunny" to her many grandchildren. Like her mother before her, Bonnie's legacy is one of love and laughter and enjoying life to the fullest. She worked tirelessly and sacrificed much to ensure her sons' successes. She played the role of Mom and Dad at times, as many single mothers do.  She taught by example and went the extra mile for everyone around her. She emphasized patience and respect for others, and unconditional love. She was a lover of life and enhanced the lives of those who knew her well.  Her love of people and her love for life will be passed down for generations!

Bonnie enjoyed family gatherings and celebrating holidays. She was an avid reader and loved music and movies of all genres. She enjoyed arts and crafts throughout her life. She was curious and enjoyed exploring new places and was known to randomly drive down a dirt road just to see where it went. She was opinionated and funny and a planner and a do-er, and she was a character who laughed without restriction. She was also an optimist who believed in the best of people and the best of what life had to offer. Simply put, she lived life to the fullest and taught or encouraged everyone in her circle to do the same. The Good Lord above made the finest of people when he made Bonnie Jean!

Predeceased by her parents, Wilfred Mabee and Lois Jean (née Francisco), her toddler sister Barbara, her late husband Robert Manning and recently her son Phillip Vetter, in November of 2024.

Bonnie is survived by her two sons, Ronald Vetter and Douglas Vetter.

Siblings; Richard Mabee, Wilfred Mabee and her sister Lois McGrath.

She is also survived by 15 Grandchildren...Dylan, Evan, Ethan, Christian, Meg, Will, Cali, Nolan, Daniel, Jesse, Richie, Lewis, Annabelle, Abby and Evalyn.

A memorial visitation will be held 4:00-6:30 pm on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at the Bermingham Funeral Home, 216 S. Main St., Wharton, followed by a 6:30 pm funeral home service.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, consider planting a rose bush this spring in Bonnie's memory. She loved their beauty year in and year out...

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