LANCASTER—Jean Horan Bonnell, 93, of Lancaster passed away January 7, 2021, in her home surrounded by her family. Jean was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, gardener and artist.
Jean was born in Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., and raised in Mathews County on a farm where she learned to sail and had her beloved horse, Jim Dandy, who she would ride everywhere she could—even to school on occasion. After she graduated from Mathews High School, she served in the United States Nursing Corp during World War II. She then worked as a secretary for the Virginia State Police.
She married Ray in 1949. They lived in Bon Air where she stayed home to raise their two children. In her spare time, she volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospital and was also a Girl Scout troop leader.
In 1980, they retired and moved to Lancaster County on the Rappahannock River. She was an avid gardener, bringing her talents to her home creating beautiful flower beds around the house and yard. Jean also began her love of artwork, painting oil landscapes.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Elsie Uhde Horan; brothers Thomas and George; and husband, Raymond William Bonnell.
She is survived by her son, Bill Bonnell and wife, Bonnie; daughter, Barbie Harris and husband, Mac; three grandchildren, Sarah and husband, Charles Detruit, Mary Hart Harris and Taylor Harris; and great-grandson, Dylan Detruit.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Upper Lancaster Volunteer Rescue Squad in Lively.
