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Remembering Bonnie D. Featherstone: A Life of Art, Service, and Love
Art, Heart, and Community Spirit
Bonnie Featherstone was born on April 28, 1938, in Lansing, Michigan. After graduating from Michigan State University, she moved to Minnesota, where she met her first husband, Robert “Mac” Featherstone. Their son, Kevin, was born in 1965. Throughout her life, Bonnie’s passion for art shone brightly. She was an accomplished painter, creating beautiful works that brought joy to her family and friends.
In 1981, Bonnie played a pivotal role in founding the Burnsville Area Society for the Arts (BASA), an organization dedicated to fostering art appreciation and education in the community. Her commitment to the arts extended beyond painting, as she became a published author, sharing her insights and experiences with others.
Political Activism and Community Involvement
Bonnie’s passion for serving her community extended into the realm of politics. In the late 1970s, she served on the District 191 School Board, where she advocated for quality education and student success. She later became a member of the Met Council in the early 1990s, where she championed environmental protection and sustainable development.
Bonnie’s involvement in her community was not limited to politics or the arts. She was an active member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, serving on various committees and bringing her artistic talents to the church’s many events and programs.
Love and Family
Bonnie’s love for her family knew no bounds. She was a devoted wife to both of her husbands, Mac Featherstone and Jerry Johnston, whom she married in 2022. As a mother, she raised an exceptional son, Kevin, and was a loving grandmother to her four grandchildren: Luke, Lindsey, Brennan, and Cullen.
Bonnie’s extended family and friends held a special place in her heart. She was the “fun” aunt, always ready to share laughter and create lasting memories. Her warm smile and infectious laughter filled every room she entered.
A Legacy of Service and Inspiration
Bonnie Featherstone Johnston passed away peacefully on May 28, 2024, at the age of 86. Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched. She will be remembered as a talented artist, a dedicated community servant, and a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Helping Paws (www.helpingpaws.org) and/or Burnsville Community Foundation (www.burnsvillecommunityfoundation.org).
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