Bonnie Finlayson

Our beloved Bonnie Jean (Prior) Finlayson passed away on November 24, 2022. Facing this has been hard for our family.

Bonnie was born on March 15, 1938, in Onamia, Minnesota, to parents Horace Prior and Viola Mae Hart-Prior. She had three siblings Don, Ken, and Ann. Bonnie married the love of her life, Floyd Allen Finlayson May 31, 1953, and was married for 51 years. Rising from the ashes of the depression, Bonnie and Floyd moved to the “city.” They built a home and family in Fridley, Minnesota. Bonnie was the proud young mother of Sharon, Steven, Sandra, and SusAnn.

While Bonnie left formal education early, she reinvested in her education in the 1990s, earning her GED and taking some college courses. While not formally educated, Bonnie passed on her knowledge about vitamins and self-care and was a natural-born mechanical engineer constantly taking apart household appliances. When her children grew older, Bonnie started a career as a furniture salesperson at Montgomery Wards. She was always well-dressed and loved working.

She has four children, 14 grandchildren, and over two dozen great-grandchildren. Bonnie adored her family and animal companions over the years. She was a strong woman who was passionate about her opinions and deeply connected to her God.

She was a lifelong member of Saint Phillips Lutheran Church. Bonnie taught us about forgiveness, unconditional love, health, and faith. She was funny, loved a nip of EJ brandy, and her time at the trailer. Bonnie was a welcoming presence for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was curious about the world and created a beautiful life from humble beginnings.

At Fort Snelling Cemetery, she has been laid to rest beside her life partner and husband, Floyd Finlayson (grandpa). The family will celebrate her life in the Summer of 2023.