Bonnie Pelloux

Obituary Sister Bonnie Lee Pelloux, OSF (formerly Sister LaSalette Marie), 68, died in St. Ann Convent, Tacoma, Washington, on August 5. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 47 years. Sister Bonnie was born in Santa Rosa, California. She entered the congregation in 1960 and professed her first vows in 1963. Sister Bonnie earned a B.S. in Nursing from Neumann University in Aston, Pennsylvania, and an M.A. in Spirituality from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. She ministered in education, healthcare, and vocation ministry. She was also instrumental in organizing a service project to involve the sisters in her congregation in helping the people of Haiti. Sister Bonnie ministered in the Archdiocese of Seattle for 15 years. She served at both St. Joseph Hospital in Tacoma (1974-1976) and St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way (1992-1998). She moved to St. Ann Convent in 2003 and served as parish nurse at St. John of the Woods Parish, St. Ann Parish, and Sacred Heart Parish. This most recent service of Congregational Health (parish nurse) was very fulfilling for sister. She enjoyed her coworkers and parish communities. Sr. Bonnie frequently encouraged other nurses to serve in this special ministry in their home churches. Sister Bonnie's 10 years of service in the Diocese of Spokane included serving as vocation director (west coast) for the Sisters of St. Francis from 2000-2003. From 1976-1980 she minister at St. Joseph Children's Home and during several of those years worked at Sacred Heart Medical Center. From 1987-1990 she served on the staff of the Personal Growth Center and also worked at Sacred Heart Medical Center. Sister Bonnie ministered in the Diocese of San Diego for nine years. From 1980-1987 she served in the diocesan vocation office. From 1984-1987 she also spent time working at Coronado Hospital. From 1990-1992 she served as director of catechetical ministry in Coronado. Additional ministry included teaching at St. Isadore School in Oakland, California (1964-1969) and at St. Thomas School in Riverside, California (1963-1964,1969-1970). From 1973-1974 she worked in healthcare at St. Elizabeth Community Hospital in Baker, Oregon. In addition to her vocation ministry on the west coast, Sister Bonnie was also vocation director for her congregation on the east coast from 1998-2000. Sister was a devoted Franciscan; she loved all things Franciscan. She was particularly known for her joy. She had a great sense of humor and was well known for her jokes, and pranks. She shared her gifts of dance and art in ministry. Her special presence brought energy and vitality to persons of all ages. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, August 10, at 10:30 A.M. at St. Leo Parish Church, Sister Bonnie is survived by her sisters, Beverly Lacy and Barbara Asaka; her brother, William Pelloux; her nieces and a nephew; and her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to Congregational Health Ministries', Franciscan Foundation, P.O. 1502, Tacoma Wa, 98401. Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.