Bernice "Bonnie" Blouin

Bernice Anne Kozlowski Blouin, at the age of 91, passed peacefully as she slept on the morning of June 3, 2025.

Bonnie, as she liked to be called, was the ninth of ten children born to Lithuanian immigrants Peter and Sophie Kantoski Kozlowski. Her early life on a small Torrington family farm inspired many an entertaining yarn.

A devout communicant of Saint Francis of Assisi Church – her faith was very important to her – she attended Saint Francis School and saw to it that her children did the same. Later, she attended Torrington High School, and enjoyed the things young people enjoyed, particularly singing with her sisters and dancing.

Long after their first meeting at a dance club, she and her sweetheart Robert (Bob) courted, and soon after the great flood in 1955, married. At that time she worked as a secretary at Fitzgerald Gasket, he as a carpenter at Farley’s across the street. Meeting for lunch was common.

They build a home together, figuratively and literally. Bob taught her, among other things, the art of laying roofing, which she did while several months pregnant with their third child. Two more children would follow.

While raising her children, she worked in various administrative and other capacities to supplement the family income, attending school at the same time and instilling a solid work ethic in her children. In what little spare time she had, she studied and enjoyed painting, team bowling with friends and trips to the casinos with friends and family. Later in life, she and Bob traveled throughout the United States and Europe, particularly enjoying cruises. They adored spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Even later in life, Bonnie was tested and displayed unshakable faith, tenacity and love caring for her husband after he fell ill.

Bonnie was a woman of substance and will be greatly missed.

Predeceased by her husband, Bob, and daughter Debra and son Philip, she is survived by sons and their spouses Robert and Carol Blouin, William and Patricia Blouin and Bruce and Jennifer Blouin, as well as grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and loving nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by many at Valerie Manor who were touched by her warmth and humor, especially those who provided constant, loving care.

Private funeral services have been entrusted to Cook Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to Bonnie’s family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com