Jovan "Bonnie" Ann Fort, 83, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on Friday, June 21, 2019 at Munson Hospice House. Bonnie was born on June 30, 1935 in Ionia, Michigan to the late Anthony and Emma (Cliche) Basso. She graduated from St. Francis High School in 1953. She later attended Grand Rapids Junior College and Butterworth of Nursing as well as Michigan State University. Bonnie was married to Leonard Dale Fort on Dec. 29, 1956. They later separated but remained very close friends.
She had been employed with Bergen Brunswig Pharmaceutical House, as an inventory assistant to the district and sales managers, retiring after 32 years. She was also employed with Sears Retail as an office assistant and in the human resources department for 25 years. At the same time, she was the processing clerk with Traverse City Area District Library. Bonnie also taught CCD pre schoolers at St. Francis. In her spare time, Bonnie enjoyed short day trips, having breakfast out reading, knitting and music, especially the piano. She was an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers and Lions.
Bonnie is survived by her three daughters; Patricia Sherman, Renee (Don Pfau) Fort and Michelle (David) Blake, a sister, Colleen Hathaway and a sister-in-law, Marilyn Basso. Also surviving are grandchildren; Robert (Jill McCloskey) Connolly, Sarah Blake, Abigail Blake, William Blake, Michael Fort, Patrick Fort, Donald Pfau, as well as great-grandchildren; Brooklyn Fort, Peter Antonini, Ava Marie Connolly, several nieces, nephews and a special friend, Gary Connolly and his family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Emma Basso, a sister, Dolores Taylor, a brother, Louis Basso, an infant brother, Anthony Louis Basso, a daughter, Tammy Bellows, and her former husband, Leonard Fort.
"A heartfelt thank you to Marilyn my angel who was always there for me through the good, bad and sad times, and all who took care of me on my journey."
Friends are welcome to visit with Bonnie's family from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 28, 2019 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684.
In lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Traverse City Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686 or the Cowell Family Cancer Center 217 S. Madison St. Traverse City, MI 49684.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Bonnie's family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .
The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.