Obituaries

Bonnie Lynn LaPonsie, age 57, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died on April 10, 2025. She was born in Sault Ste. Marie, on September 26, 1967, to Carl and Alice (Rabineau) Gugin.

Bonnie grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and attended Sault Area High School. It was during that time that she met the love of her life, John, while out with mutual friends. They married and started a beautiful family together. Six children later, Bonnie proudly embraced life as a devoted wife and mother.

Bonnie was a proud member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. She embraced her heritage and community with deep pride and a strong sense of belonging.

She was someone who found joy in many things. Bonnie loved being outdoors — gardening, camping, and spending time by the lake brought her peace. She was also a creative spirit who enjoyed crafting, and she even had fun playing games and exploring on her tablet. Whatever she was doing, she brought her warm energy and love along with her.

Bonnie is survived by her husband John; daughters, Lisa LaPonsie and Allison LaPonsie of Dafter, and Renee LaPonsie of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; sons, John LaPonsie II of Dafter, Michigan, Timothy LaPonsie, and Kyle LaPonsie of Kinross, mother-in-law, Joanne LaPonsie of Dafter, grandchildren, Teanna, Isabella, Jazzlynn, Rylnn, Kegan, John LaPonsie III, James, Jazmine, Kevin, Dwayne, Octavian, Zachary, Taylor, Brydon, Devon and Grayton; great-grandchild, Lilia; sister, Terry Rabineau; and brother, Karl Rabineau.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Alice Gugin; brother, Tommy Gugin; father-in-law, Andy LaPonsie; great-grandson, Braxton; and Theo LaPonsie.

A Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Niigaanagiizhik Ceremonial Building, 11 Ice Circle Chi Mukwa, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan until the Traditional Ceremony at 7:00 PM.