Mary Elizabeth “Cookie” Jonas
On Saturday, December 3rd, our dear sweet Mary Elizabeth “Cookie” Jonas passed away due to complications from cancer at the age of 71. Mary was born, prematurely, on August 14th 1951 to Antoinette and Joseph Haberger in Boston Massachusetts. She was baby number 7 in a family of 10 kids. She was a proven fighter since the day she was born. Mary grew up in Brookline MA and spent her summers with her toes in the sand at nearby beaches. A quiet but determined young lady was making her way through the world and was the first in her family to attend college.
At 19, she met the love of her life, Dennis. After a romance fit for a fairytale, they married October 7th, 1971 and relocated to Boise, Idaho. Mary graduated from Boise State College with a bachelors in elementary education. She went on to teach kindergarten at a number of schools in the treasure valley. In 1980, she and Dennis welcomed their first born son, Eric. A few years later, they completed their family with a daughter, Courtney.
Mary loved music of all kinds. She often put names, places or stories to song. Elton John, Rod Stewart, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Queen were some of her favorites. She loved going to concerts and watching movies. Decorating for every holiday and season was a must. She loved to host holiday dinners, cookie parties and family gatherings. She had a sweet tooth that often led to dessert first. Chocolate, dunkin donuts, and yes, cookies were all top priority. She was always full of love and cheer. She was a great listener and was always available to talk. She was a strong shoulder to lean on, even when fighting her own battles. She was a positive little spirit that packed a big punch. Everyone was always welcome in her home and in her life. She never took life too seriously and never took life for granted.
Mary had a thirst for knowledge and was passionate about teaching children in her community. She went on to get her Masters degree and continued teaching first grade for over a decade. In 2007, she was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 cancer and had to retire from her beloved job.
After losing the love of her life in 2011 and a recurrence of her cancer, she was again fighting for her life. Due to her fighting spirit, a team of strong doctors and support from loved ones, Mary was able to go on to see her children get married and start families of their own. Mary had two granddaughters (Hope & Katie) that were the light of her life and brought her so much joy.
Mary passed away with her children by her side and surrounded by love. Her friends and family were praying and cheering her on until the very end. Mary is preceded in death by her husband (Dennis), parents (Joseph & Antionette), in-laws (Harry & EvLyn), two sisters (Carol & Judy), five brother in-laws (Frank, Eddie, Jim, Tommy, Mark) one niece (Cindy), two great-nieces (Karmyn & Cooper) and numerous pets. She is survived by her two children, Eric (Kelsey) and Courtney (Tyler), two precious granddaughters (Hope & Katie), sisters and in-laws (Joanne, Annette, Maureen, Peggy, Patti, Susan, Kathy, Denise, Lynda and Kim), brother and in-laws (Joe, Alan, Dan, Bill), God sons (Nathan (Kamala) & Gabriel) and countless nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and loving friends.
A viewing will take place at Bowman Funeral Parlor on Wednesday December 21st from 5-7pm. A memorial service will take place at Capital City Event Center Thursday December 22nd at 2pm and the burial will take place at Idaho State Veterans Cemetery on Friday December 23rd at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made to Trail Wind Elementary via Mary Jonas ( boiseschoolsfoundation.com , select “donate,” select “other,” type Trail Wind Elementary via Mary Jonas under instructions or checks payable to Boise School Foundation, put Trail Wind Elementary via Mary Jonas in memo line)
To watch the service go to: https://www.bowmanfuneral.com/livestream/
Password: bowmanlive