Bonnie Lou Donovan Walstead, enjoyed life to fullest
Bonnie Lou Donovan Walstead of Milton was called home by the Lord our God Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, at the tender age of 73. Her passion for living life to its fullest did not end with her sudden passing as she is survived by a loving family and caring community. Bonnie was an active member of the Milton community where she grew up and most times could be seen walking, riding a bike, being involved in church activities, or working at the library.
Bonnie was born to the late Russell and Gladys (Baker) Donovan and has three surviving sisters, Nancy O’Bier, Joan Sharp, Cheryl Donovan, and their families. During her adolescent years, she was active in the school band along with academic and recreational clubs. After graduating from Milton High School in 1966, she married her high school sweetheart, the late CMSgt. Howard A. “Bud” Walstead Jr. She was welcomed into the Walstead family by his late parents, Dorothy Adams, husband Roscoe Adams, and father Howard Sr. Upon marriage, Bonnie became lifelong friends with her extended family of Gary Walstead, Denise Walstead, the late James Walker, and their spouses and families.
Ever passionate about living life to its fullest, Bonnie chose to share her love with the gift of life by starting a family and having two surviving children, Mark Walstead of Whitakers, N.C., and Michelle Walstead of Lincoln. Being a military spouse, Bonnie made numerous sacrifices out of her love of family over personal gain and gratification. She was known by her children as a mother who would put their needs before her own. As a loving mother, she always found a way to provide the best life possible and ensure all the families’ needs were met. Throughout her children’s lives, she was always there to lift a hand or lend an ear whenever she knew there was a chance to help. As Bonnie’s extended family continued to grow and change, she always welcomed new members with the same love.
In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Bonnie had a successful career with retailers and earned several achievement awards from Leggett and Macy’s department stores. Her achievements afforded her the gift of travel later in life, and she found a new love of exploring the world. After a memorable trip to Paris, she returned to her roots and once again focused on her family. She was able to provide care for her father and mother in their final years of life.
Not one to slow down for retirement, Bonnie has spent the last few years working at the library, helping the community where she was deeply rooted. Her legacy will continue through her children Mark and Michelle, grandchildren, Isaac Walstead of Virginia Beach, Va., and Ryan Walstead of Warrenton, Va. She also has many nieces and nephews, Shawn O’Bier, Melissa O’Bier, Christine Sharp, Brian Sharp, Michael Witoski, Jean Johnson, Sandi Walstead, Jamie Walker, Jera Walker, Josh Walstead, their families, members of Zion Methodist Church, Milton Public Library, and community members who will continue to remember her life and know that God called her home and another angel was created.
A celebration of Bonnie’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 13, in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton. A time of visitation for family and friends will begin at 11:30 a.m. Burial will immediately follow at Zion UM Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in memory of Bonnie Walstead to: Friends of the Milton Library at milton.lib.de.us/friends; or Brandywine Valley Georgetown SPCA at bvspca.org.
Online condolences are welcome at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.
