Bonnie Rae Held
September 15, 1960 - October 7, 2009
Bonnie Rae Held (Paluch)
Our beautiful Bonnie is finally at peace with Jesus. She passed away at the age of 49 on October 7, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her family and friends will miss her contagious smile, giving heart and unending determination. Bonnie lived every moment of her life with a glorious zest. Her laughter will ring in our ears forever. She not only met people, but also touched their lives forever.
Her beloved husband, William Held, and amazing children, Stephanie and Christopher have been blessed by her love, commitment to family and perpetually positive attitude.
Bonnie was born on September 15, 1960 in Green Bay, WI. She lived her youth in Wisconsin and Iowa. She was a huge Green Bay Packer fan. She graduated from Custer HS in Milwaukee in 1978, and from the University of Wisconsin Madison with a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy in 1983. She worked as a hand therapist in Madison for several years. She then moved to Utah where she had been a dedicated employee at the University of Utah Hospital as an O.T. for the past 13 years. She loved gathering with friends and family, playing sports, and traveling.
The precious daughter of Jean and the late Daniel Paluch. Dear siblings of Daniel (Barb) Paluch, (of Cincinnati, OH), Becky Paluch (New Foundland, Canada), Barbara (Marty) Butler (San Antonio, TX), Douglas (Linda) Paluch (Germantown, WI), and Dean Paluch (Austin, TX). Daughter in law of Harvey and Clarice Held (Perth, ND). Sister in law of Jeff Held (Bisbee, ND), Sue (Vern) Miedinger (Zeeland, ND), Julie (Mike) Polzin (South Ogden, UT), and Renee Held (Santa Fe, AR). Further survived by nieces, nephews, and many, many friends all over the country. We all thank God for all the wonderful times spent with Bonnie and the privilege of sharing her life.
Many thanks to the parish members at St. Ambrose Church, families at Wasatch Jr. High and Beacon Heights schools, co-workers from the U of U Orthopedic Center, co-workers from the Huntsman Cancer Hospital, Cancer Wellness House, Rocky Mountain Home Health Care associates, Home Options associates, friends and neighbors for all of the love, prayers, meals, rides, babysitting, and overall support over the past two years.
We will remember Bonnie’s life at a vigil service on Friday, October 16th at 6:00 PM with a wake service to follow until 9:00 PM, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 1975 South 2300 East, Salt Lake City.
A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 17th at 11:00 AM, also at St. Ambrose.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to an educational fund for Stephanie and Christopher or to the Huntsman Cancer Hospital have been suggested.
In Loving Memory
Bill, Stephanie, and Christopher; my heart has been touched forever by knowing Bonnie. I am most especially changed by observing the intense, sweet, kind, thoughtful and ever faithful love that was displayed between Bonnie and Bill. Bonnie's choice of exhibiting grace under pressure made all the difference in her journey and in the example she gave to each of us. She has been sorely missed at Yoga for three months and we will continue to enjoy her in our thoughts. Bless you always, all ways, Beth
Beth Young
Bountiful, ut
I was one of Bonnie's patients a few years ago and she was really good to me. She was so thoughtful and concerned about helping me get better. I don't think I could have had a better hand therapist. I am truly sorry that she won't be there anymore. Even as a patient I knew how deeply Bonnie loved her family and I know she will be missed by more people than we could imagine. She was a very special person. I will never forget her kindness to me and I am grateful that I got to be her patient.
Becky Mortensen
Salt Lake City, UT
To the Family of Bonnie Rae Held, So sorry to learn about the lost of your Dear Loved One, Bonnie Rae. Please know that so many people share your grief with you to help you through this time of sorrow. Please accept my deepest condolences as we await the time when Christ Jesus will awaken all of those who have fallen asleep in death. (John 11:41-44)
J. Moore
Salt Lake City, UT
Paluch family, We are very sad to hear Bonnie has passed away. May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Laurie & Steve Dembiec
Muskego, WI
To Jean Paluch and Family: Our sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your daughter. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Mary & Gaynell Pasch
Pulaski, WI
The last name Held always said it all for me. I met Bonnie as her Yoga instructor at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. She always "Held" such a beautiful energy despite her physical condition. It was always such a pleasure having Bonnie and Bill practicing Yoga together. Their love is so pure and tender. I send my deepest condolences, heartfelt love and lots of prayers. Bill, I'm so grateful that you've found your way to Yoga! Stephanie and Christopher, your strength and wisdom will be magnified in a beautiful way! Many blessings to all of you!!! Much love, Nicole
Nicole Hamory
Salt Lake City, uT
My heartfelt love goes out to you all. Bill I admire how strong and loving a father and husband you have been. I'll always remember our skiing encounter at Alta with both you and Bonnie. Fond memory. Sending you lots of love and healing thoughts.
Jan Sharp
Draper, UT
Jean - my memories of Bonnie go back to high school days when your kids and mine played sports and hung out together. We had lots of fun times! My love and sympathy to you all for her loss. Mrs. "G" Superior, WI
Helen Glodowski
Superior, Wi
Our hearts go out to the Held Family. We had the pleasure of knowing Bonnie for several years, as our kids were in the same daycare together for many years. It was fun getting to know her through parties we had at our house and the parties they had at their home. The Halloween ones she hosted were some of the best! Bonnie had such a zest for these get-togethers. She would always say "What can we bring?". Even though our kids soon went to different schools, we still kept in touch and will continue to do so. We were heart-broken to learn about her cancer and even more about her passing. She was such a wonderful person, friend and mother.
Kim, Cabot, Kady & Tristan Carlston
Salt Lake City,, UT
Bill--When I learned that Bonnie had died I was so very sad, and flooded with memories that made me smile and cry. I am upset that I did not know how things have gone this last year --upset that I let so much time pass, without contact. I will see you this weekend-- to remember Bonnie and her never ending spirit. You have all been in my prayers this week-and will continue to be. Bless you and the children, RoseAnn
RoseAnn Milano
Salt Lake City, Ut