Rebecca J. Bodnar

Chesaning, MI

Rebecca J. Bodnar, affectionately known as Becky, was a remarkable woman whose life was dedicated to education and service passed away peacefully at her home on October 12, 2023, with her family at her side.

Becky grew up on a small dairy farm in Maple Grove, Michigan. After graduating from St. Michael's Catholic School in 1971, she worked at her father's restaurant, Johnny's, as the head waitress while putting herself through college. With unwavering determination and resilience, Becky completed her master's degree from Michigan State University.  She then completed her student teaching requirements in Guatemala, before beginning her 45-year career with the Chesaning Area School District. As a teacher of Spanish and English, she inspired generations of students with her infectious love for language and culture. Even after retirement, Becky's love for the classroom remained unabated, drawing her back to share her wisdom and knowledge. Beyond the confines of conventional education, Becky embraced various roles that showcased her nurturing spirit. For over two decades, she served as the Sunday Preschool Director at Old Town Christian Outreach Center in Saginaw. Her dedication to fostering early childhood development enriched the lives of countless young minds and their families. Becky embarked on a life-changing missionary trip to Vietnam in 1997. Working alongside volunteers in orphanages, she selflessly devoted herself to bringing comfort and joy into the lives of vulnerable children. Through her involvement with Global Compassion, Inc, Becky made a tremendous impact by generously funding the drilling of over 20 wells to provide clean water to impoverished communities around the world. She trained lay ministers to hold Sunday services at numerous senior care facilities in the Saginaw area, ensuring that spiritual nourishment reached those who could not attend conventional places of worship. Additionally, she spearheaded a monthly card-making ministry in local retirement facilities, bringing smiles and warmth to the elderly through heartfelt greetings. Through her ingenuity and compassion, she developed a ministry that empowered young girls to create cards for children in local hospitals, spreading love and encouragement during their times of illness.

Throughout her life, Becky surrounded herself with love and cherished relationships. She leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories in the hearts of her surviving family and friends. She is survived by her loving husband, Bill Bodnar; stepson William (Pattasinee) Bodnar; grandchildren: Amber, Melissa, Jennifer, Megan, William, and Natayla; siblings: Judy Birchmeier of New Lothrop, Bob (Kathy) Bishop of DeWitt, Ed (Diane) Bishop of Chesaning, Sandy (Rick) Damveld of Dorr, and Jackie Harris of Chesaning; sisters-in-law: Harriett Bishop of Jackson and Eydie Bishop of Chesaning; as well as numerous special nieces and nephews.

Becky's journey to reunite with her beloved parents, John and Helen Bishop; brothers Bernie and Ray Bishop; sisters Linda Jordan and Chery Bishop; brother-in-law Ernie Birchmeier; nieces Rhonda Kadolph and LeAnn Birchmeier; and nephew Jonathan Harris has now begun.

The funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at Old Town Christian Outreach, 600 Gratiot Rd. Saginaw, MI 48602.  Rev. Donald Dinninger will officiate with cremation to follow. Friends may visit with family from 2:00-8:00 p.m. Sunday and Monday at the W. L. Case and Co. Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Rd. Saginaw. Friends may also visit at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Global Compassion Inc; Hope for the Forgotten Outreach or Old Town Christian Outreach Center. www.casefuneralhome.com