In Memory: Bonnie Jean Coolum, Age 80
It is with great sadness that the gates of heaven flew open and Bonnie Jean McDermott Coolum, 80, child of God, was welcomed home to be with her precious Savior and her loved ones (6/2/1944 – 9/24/2024).
Born in Rye, NY to Bernard McDermott and Adamarie Waitszer. Her family-owned Rips Diner in Rye, NY where Bonnie first learned responsibility through helping others. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from State University Plattsburg, NY, and a Master of Education through Rhode Island College.
She was the wife of the late William Malcolm Coolum. They met in Iceland in the Navy mess hall where Bonnie worked a college summer job. After completing her college degree and marrying, she moved to Rhode Island where William was born and raised. William built their dream home in Hope, RI where they raised their family until retirement.
Bonnie loved teaching and made it her career for 30 years. She also worked for Cranston Senior Services as an Intergenerational Coordinator. Throughout the years she opened her home to numerous exchange students. Bonnie taught Pre-K to 3rd grade and middle school Home Economics. She loved teaching cooking and baking. In addition, she coached middle school girls’ basketball. Bonnie loved to cook, read, knit, camp, and travel. She loved being at the ocean and her time-share in San Luis Obispo, CA. Every anniversary they would spend a week on the Oregon Coast. She loved all things French and traveled to France, Spain, and Morocco during the summer of 1992.
On one of their trips to Arizona, they fell in love with the fountain in Fountain Hills and in 1995, they made that dream a reality by building their retirement home in Fountain Hills. While her husband William designed and built their second dream home, Bonnie became a substitute teacher for Scottsdale and Fountain Hills public school systems. In every town she resided, she always found ways to help others and make friends. She especially cherished her friends from her college knit group. She could always be found with a smile on her face and baked goods in the kitchen.
Bonnie was a congregant at Fountains United Methodist Church, a regular client at the Fountain Hills Senior Center, and enjoyed volunteering at the local library.
Bonnie is survived by her loving children, Timothy Coolum of Massachusetts, Andrea (Troy) Kinsey of Richardton, ND, granddaughter Amy Kinsey of Richardton, ND; brother, John Kedney of New York; nephews Michael (Miranda) Kennedy of Poughkeepsie, NY, Thomas (Carmen) Kennedy of Rigby, ID, and Brian Kennedy of New York; and nine great nephews and nieces she adored; best friends Marie (William) Birch.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Patricia Vrooman and husband William Malcolm Coolum.
A Memorial service will be held at Messenger Fountain Hills Mortuary Chapel, 12065 North Saguaro Boulevard, Fountain Hills, AZ, on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 11:00 am, followed by a graveside service at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery, at 1:00 PM.
