Bonita Manard

Bonita Clementine Manard was born April 23, 1954, in Chicago, IL, on her mom, Faye Christine Manard’s birthday. Her sheer will to live and personal strength helped her survive 22 years living as a nonverbal quadriplegic with ALS in St. Anne, IL. Bonita transitioned to her home in Chicago, IL, on March 3, 2025. We celebrate her extraordinary journey and profound impact on her family and caregivers. Bonita earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business Management at Northern Illinois University in 1978. She became a top insurance agent at United Insurance while landlord and owner of 6 properties in Chicago, IL. Bonita could install a furnace, remodel a bathroom, and change a vehicle's oil. In the 1990s, she became a FEMA Inspector under former President Bill Clinton's administration. She traveled from Louisiana to North Dakota and Puerto Rico, where she resided during the winter months. She leaves to cherish her memories, her mother, Faye Christine Manard of Chicago, IL; siblings, Terri L. Manard-Mitchell of Kankakee, IL, Regina Christine Kitching-Williams of Glenwood, IL, James D. Manard of Chicago, IL and William S. Manard of Spencer, Iowa; brother-in-law, Eric J. Mitchell Sr. of Kankakee, IL; Rasheedah Abdullah and Jasmine Cockle Manard are her sisters-in-love; cousin, Jerome Daniels; nephews, Fabian C. Mitchell of Kankakee, IL, Clarence Williams of Killeen, TX, William S. Manard Jr. of Evanston, IL, Jashawn Manard and Keshawn Manard of Spencer, Iowa; nieces, Alicia B. Mitchell of Nashua, NH, Jamilah Manard of Dallas, TX, Jada Manard of Chicago, IL; great-nephew, Isaiah M. Higgins; great-nieces, Brianna Marie Williams and Neveah Christine Williams, and a host of cousins. Bonita was preceded in death by her grandfather, William Calloway; grandmothers, Florence Manard and Clementine Calloway; her father, Whurley John Manard; a sister, Normia L. Manard; uncle, Earl Calloway; aunt, Drucilla Daniels; cousins, Earl Daniels and Carl P. Daniels. Special friends include Tonya Williams, Riverdale, IL ,Rico B. Corley, Chicago, IL; neighbor, Cricket Scott Smith, St. Anne, IL, and landlords of 20 years, Bea and Larry Nolan, Sun River Commons Apartments. Of note, Bonita’s many different personal assistants whom she loved and cared for for more than half of her years journey include Roderic Hodge, Ernest Lumpkins, Susan Nordine, Craig Nordine, Jewell Davis, Odell Collins, Lakisha Tucker, Pamela Hamilton Ella Isom, and her two private duty RNs, Cheryl Street and Bobette Tammen; a special thanks to her caregiver Polly Hardaway for allowing us to use her church for the repast.

Tributes

Bonita Manard

April 23, 1954 - March 3, 2025