Marianne E. Bonsall

January 29, 2025

Marianne E. Bonsall, 94 of Wilmington, Delaware died peacefully at home on January 29, 2025.

We respectfully celebrate a long life well lived.

Marianne was born on April 24, 1930 in Mannheim, Germany.  She relished her 94 years of joyful and bountiful life.

Marianne was only 14 years old when she met her life-long sweetheart/husband (Frank Bonsall) while he was stationed in Mannheim with the U.S. Army during WWII.  Four years later in 1948, Marianne sailed to the US to begin her new life with Frank.

They were married on March 13, 1948 and settled in Aston, Pa.  She became a Citizen of the US in 1952.  Marianne and Frank were blessed with two daughters (Linda, born in 1950 and Diana, born in 1956). They moved to their new home in Chester in 1956, where Marianne began working for the Scott Paper Company, retiring in 1986. She selflessly took on the role of caregiver for her elderly Mother, at that point, until she passed away in 1987.

The Bonsall home was always abuzz with activity and Marianne the ultimate hostess. She and Frank would frequently host sizable gatherings populated by family, friends, neighbors or company visiting from Germany. She was a notable figure in the robust German-American community establishing lifetime friendships with many members of that group living in Pennsylvania. She was an excellent cook and baker and will remain legendary for the delicious and abundant meals she prepared. Never one to exclude a soul, Marianne always made sure there was a place at the table for everyone…especially at the holidays. Her generosity was unmatched.

Marianne exhibited great pride in her appearance making it a priority to present herself in the best light. She was respectful of the formality in life that so many have forgotten. She was a voracious reader, often consuming entire books in mere days. She loved old Hollywood movies, recalling how she would often rely on them, early on, to learn English. For entertainment, she enjoyed horse racing and going to the casino.  She reveled in a good restaurant meal and attending social events.  While she embraced these worldly pleasures with passion, it was always balanced with a spiritual side. She stayed true to the traditions of her Catholic upbringing and relented to powers beyond this Earth. She worked as the Head Baker at Our Lady of Angels Convent for several years and maintained several friendships with the nuns there.

She travelled back to Germany many times, visiting family and friends still residing there, with whom she maintained a life-long connection.  She loved her many trips to Florida visiting her daughter Diana and the road trips to Orlando hosted by her beloved grandson Mark and his family.
Marianne lost Frank in 2018 after 70 years of marriage. Frank was always the first to admit that his life would have drifted without this enduring partnership.

Marianne is survived by her daughter, Linda Carducci of Wilmington DE, daughter, Diana (Brett) Burkey of Boca Raton FL, her grandson Mark (Sonja) Carducci and 2 great grandchildren Donovan and Mark Carducci.

The family extends their gratitude to Bayada Home Health Care/Hospice, who assisted in her care the past year and to friends and family who contributed their time, love and attention to her.

A Memorial Service will be held privately for Family and Friends.