Marilyn Ann Phillips Bona

Marilyn Ann Phillips Bona, 79, of Irving, TX, lost her courageous, 9-month battle with Guillain-Barre Syndrome on March 6, 2024. She fought valiantly, battling back from complete paralysis to “fully licensed” motorized wheelchair driver, Starbucks vanilla latte connoisseur, book critic, and party planner. She moved mountains to accomplish standing and assisted walking in recent weeks, with the help of her incredible team (Becca and Ashley) at Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation. Her positive attitude, tenacity, and grace were unmatched, even until the very end. She met each day with a beautiful smile, fully executed hair and makeup, and a never-ending will to get better.

Marilyn was born February 24, 1945, in Wilkes-Barre, PA to Edward and Marjorie Brenner Phillips. She was the second of six children, and one of two girls in an otherwise house full of boys. Together, Jay, Marilyn, Jim, Warren, Margie, and Fran would create lasting memories and a bit of mischief. She lived her early years in North Tonawanda, NY, and in her late high school years, she moved to Jamestown, NY where the Phillips Family would occupy the corner at 400 Prospect Street for decades to come. Nearby, Lake Chautauqua and Bemus Point would become the backdrop for Marilyn’s beloved summer lake time in New York with extended family.

Following graduation from Jamestown High School, Marilyn attended SUNY Fredonia, graduating in 1973. It was there that she would meet her future husband, Wayne Anthony Bona, whom she would ultimately marry. She went on to pursue her master’s degree in English from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. While there, she felt fortunate to have attended an Elvis concert, which would shape her future love for all things Elvis and music. In the summer of 1975, she moved to Dallas, TX where she began what would be a lifelong career in human resource management. She was a skilled leader, a gentle motivator, and a builder of teams.

Marilyn was an avid traveler. She found satisfaction in the perfect planning of every vacation detail. She found joy in experiencing new places and more recently, the National Parks. Her regular walks around the neighborhood with her faithful companion, Wilson, were a sure bet, and she went to great lengths to make sure that she achieved her daily “steps.” She loved live music, recently attending Adele, Luke Bryan, Elton John, Pentatonix, and Ed Sheeran to name a few. She looked forward to regular “after school pickup” at Saint Rita School. She graciously shared her love of cooking and family recipes with her children and grandchildren, often using the holidays for “cooking lessons.” Her apple pie, German stuffing, and mincemeat cookies were legendary. Her motto was “shop ‘til you drop”, and she looked forward to expanding her shoe collection on any given day. She treasured evenings out with the “Fab Five”, which grew into the “Fab Seven”, and she was so grateful for their friendship.

Marilyn was predeceased by her parents and her son, Jonathan Alan Bona. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Wayne Anthony (Tony) Bona, daughters, Amanda Bona White (Tricia) of Austin, TX, and Katherine Bona Wilke (Devin) of Houston, TX, son, Jonathan Christopher Bona of Dallas, TX, son-in-law, Samuel Benjamin White of Austin, TX, and lifelong friend, Mike Paradis of Arroyo Grande, California. Her pride and joy were her four grandchildren: Caroline Emma, Connor Benjamin, Cole Alexander, and Ryan Alida. In addition to her five siblings, Edward “Jay” (Anne) Phillips of Tarpon Springs, FL, James “Jim” (Cindy) Phillips of Spicewood, TX, Warren (Carol) Phillips of Lakeland, Florida, Marjorie Hughes of Port Leyden, NY, and Francis Phillips of Jamestown, NY, Marilyn is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was fortunate to know the love of countless dear friends, many of whom she considered family.

The family would like to thank the medical, nursing, and therapy staff in the neurocritical care unit at UT Southwestern Clements University Hospital and Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation for their care. And to Coretta Davis, a true angel on Earth, thank you for the love, dignity, and friendship you so selflessly shared while caring for Marilyn in recent months.

A memorial service and celebration of Marilyn’s life will take place on Thursday, March 14th, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Sparkman/Hillcrest Chapel, 7505 West Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX with Deacon Charles Sylvester officiating. Interment immediately to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Operation Kindness Animal Shelter (https://www.operationkindness.org/make-a-memorial-gift/) or St. Rita Catholic School Scholarship Fund (https://www.strita.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=125722&type=d&pREC_ID=249275) both in Dallas, TX.