Bonnie Jo Christopherson

Bonnie was the embodiment of light and comfort, her presence alone brightened every room. She had this knack for finding the silver lining and making everyone feel like they were the most important person in the world. On November 7th, 2023, Bonnie’s light transitioned peacefully at the age of 73, surrounded by the love of her devoted family.

Bonnie entered the world on June 1st, 1950, in San Diego, California, as the cherished daughter of Ivan Helm and Joan Dilley. Fondly nicknamed "Bonnie Bug" by her father, she was a beacon of purpose and joy for her mother, Joan. This joy was only magnified when Joan met Willis Dean Grisel, the love of her life, who embraced Bonnie as his own, thrilling her with flying and nurturing her life-long connection with horses. The eldest sibling to Chris, Brad, Willa, Deanna, Joe, MaryAnn, and Ben, Bonnie was a pillar of strength and support throughout their formative years.

Bonnie's heart found its match in Terry Didericksen amidst the farms of Morgan, Utah. Their union blossomed into a loving family with four children: Lance, Mandy, Dusti, and Brad. Each child was a testament to Bonnie’s devotion, raised with the same strength and compassion she carried throughout her life. Bonnie, a dynamic force, channeled her energy into her local Relief Society and PTA, and her entrepreneurial spirit shone as she ran a vibrant pre-school in their home—a home that was always filled to the brim with laughter, friends, and family.

Her professional life was marked by her role as an Administrative Assistant within the healthcare industry, where she seamlessly blended her nursing education with administrative finesse. Bonnie was the unseen hand that kept the wheels turning, ensuring that doctors, VPs, and patients were supported with expert ‘zoning’, making the workplace feel like home while making sure everything ran like clockwork.

2001 marked a new beginning for Bonnie when she married Joseph Christopherson. Their romance blossomed online, with Joe living in California, and after a few visits to Utah, they became engaged. Their wedding reception was a lively affair at Joe’s Crab Shack, an event remembered for its uproarious laughter and joy. Together, they embarked on a life in Arizona, where they delighted in evening strolls across the desert golf courses, later settling in Layton, UT. There, they found joy in spoiling their grandchildren with movie days, ice cream, candy treats, and poolside fun.

Bonnie’s resilience was put on display in 2020 when a minor stroke weakened her left side. With characteristic determination, she regained enough strength to resume her daily life and chose to retire alongside Joe, eager to figure out their next chapter. However, their plans were abruptly altered by a serious car accident in early 2023. Both faced their new situation with an inspiring amount of courage and grit. Despite being physically separated by their recovery, they never stopped caring for one another. Each picking up the yoke for the other, walking each other home.

Bonnie was a safe place for many pondering the question, “Who Am I?” Her answer was a mirror of warmth, kindness, compassion…followed by a nickname.

A celebration of Bonnie’s life will be held at Memorial Lake View Mortuary at 1640 East Lakeview Drive, Bountiful, Utah on November 11th, 2023. All who were touched by her life are welcome to attend a visitation with her family at 10:00 am and share in honoring her light. A graveside service will be held afterward at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Utah Food Bank, a cause close to her heart.