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It is with heavy hearts that we share that Lesley “Bonnie” Parker, age 78, of Center City, MN passed away on April 28, 2026.   Bonnie defiantly fought multiple health conditions and then a difficult and prolonged illness. At last, she can finally rest without the pain she lived with for so long.

Bonnie (as known to all who loved her) was given her beautiful nickname by her much-adored grandmother. She was born in England in 1947, and at age 11 made a solo trip across the Atlantic to join three generations of her English family who immigrated to the US—specifically San Diego, CA, which would become her home for two decades.  She remained a British citizen to the end of her life, although never returned to England. 

In September of 1966, Bonnie married the great love of her life, Lynn MacKrille, and they shared several wonderful years together, as well as two daughters, Kimberly and Bonnie. It was during this time that she formed a lifelong friendship with Bev and Bill, who became godparents to her girls, and she became godmother to their first daughter. When Bonnie and Lynn later divorced, it broke her heart forever. 

In 1976 she married Harry Parker, and together they had a son Jeremy, before relocating from San Diego to Center City MN. They would be married 38 years until his death.

Bonnie held many different jobs throughout the years, but her most favorite-- by far-- was her job at Chisago County nursing service where she did bookkeeping. It was there that she met her very dear friends; Anita, Bev, Nancy and Sharon with whom she would share decades of friendships and adventures.  Some of those adventures included Zumba classes (with all the jingles), ceramics classes, English Teas, and many lunches—most favored was Mexican!

Bonnie had a fabulous green thumb and delighted in creating a haven in her yard and gardens. She worked hard around the house with upkeep and canning fruits and veggies and was FIERCELY independent! Bonnie was a fabulous cook and will be forever remembered for her chicken curry, legs of lamb, fatty bakes, Yorkshire pudding, shepherd’s pie,  homemade brownies, deluxe mac and cheese and taco salad. Uhhh…did anyone say “beans on toast”??

Although she would never believe it, Bonnie was truly a force of nature and possessed an Elizabeth Taylor-like beauty, a sharp wit and fabulous sense of humor.  That, combined with her lovely English accent (can I please have a glass of waw-tuh?) made her an exotic flower—one that survived many uprootings and transplantations throughout the years. 

Bonnie so loved her family and was generous with her small, but warm and well kept, home. She hosted hordes of holidays, always creating a spread of festive sweet and savory delights.  And not to be forgotten were her Rowntrees fruit gums and English crackers!!

Bonnie was a passionate pet owner, creating many generations of love stories with her doggies—especially Arthur, Dudley and most recently, Milo. Milo survives his loving mum and has gone to live with another Bonnie in the family—her daughter.

As her health failed her, especially this last year of her life, Bonnie was greatly aided by her granddaughter, Arianne, who passionately and lovingly helped to keep Bonnie in her home as long as we possibly could. 

Bonnie is survived by her three children: Kimberly (and Ryan) Whitford, Bonnie (and Scott) Shelley, and Jeremy Parker. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren: August, Romy (and Amber), Tatum (and Mason), Toby, Ellie, Jolie, Henry, Jason, Kelsie, Arianne, Makayla, Taylor, Marissa and three great grandchildren: Ezra, Zayden and Joziah. She is also survived by her loving friends, including Jesse and Shelley and Kip.

She was preceded in death by her Nan, parents Leslie and Audrey, John (her step father), her beloved Uncle Derek, and both of her spouses. 

Family will share an intimate and private celebration of Bonnie’s life together. There will be no public service. 

Bonnie left this world much in the way she lived in it—feisty, flexible (got those legs up sooooo high) and gracious, with her caregivers frequently commenting on all of her “thank yous”.

An incredibly massive “Thank You” to the staff at Osceola Medical Center, Parmly on the Lake TCU/ Parkside, and Ecumen Hospice, all of whom provided her with compassionate, loving and respectful care during the time in her life when she was most vulnerable. Their gift of care to Bonnie will never be forgotten by her family.

Bonnie/Mom/Nana will be missed terribly.  A hole in our hearts the size of Heaven exists, but it gives us great comfort to know she is free of the constraints of this earthly world. 

Her life was difficult, and she has earned this much needed rest. Bonnie ran with perseverance the race set out for her, and she has finished the good race. 

Rest in peace, you lovely, hot pink, English flower. xoxo

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