Bonnie Jean von Ebers (nee Laper), 67, of Oak Park, died peacefully on July 19, 2026. She spent her final days surrounded by those she loved, having a cup of coffee, listening to her favorite songs, and telling her husband and children, “I love you more.”
Born on Jan. 18, 1959, for decades, she worked as a legal secretary where she found not only a career she loved but friends who became family.
For more than 10 years, she refused to let her cancer diagnosis define her, beating the odds more times than anyone thought possible. She faced every setback with remarkable determination, fighting constantly for more memories and time, giving her family precious years together. For as long as she could, Bonnie found joy in her favorite traditions. She loved shopping, especially the legendary Black Friday adventures with her sisters that often stretched into two-day events. She cherished family holidays, most notably Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day, refurbishing her and Jim’s family summer home at Goose Lake, sitting on the front porch, and crafting with her daughters, sisters, and grandchildren.
At the center of Bonnie’s world was family. She was the wife of Jim von Ebers, her high school sweetheart; the mother of Kelly Lawler (Dan), Kevin von Ebers (Erica), and Amanda von Ebers; the daughter of Barbara Laper; and Gramma to her five grandchildren, Jaxson, Hadleigh, Adeline, Lillian, and Evelyn. She delighted in spending time with them, taking selfies, and spoiling them on every holiday, milestone, or whenever she found a good sale on clothing in the next size up. She is also survived by her siblings, Cinde, Thomas (Sharon), Barbie (Jerry), and Jimmy (Renee), along with dozens of cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her sister, Debbie (Dave).
Visitation will be held at Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Road, on July 30 from 3 to 8 p.m., with a chapel service beginning at 7. Interment private.
Bonnie always said if she won the lottery she would give all the money to children fighting cancer. In her memory, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Ronald McDonald House at Loyola University Medical Center.
Arrangements were handled by Peter B. Kennedy & Co., Funeral Directors.