Bonnie LaRue Helms
October 28, 1954 – May 12, 2024
Bonnie L. Helms, 69, of Chesapeake Beach, MD passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2024 at her home. Born on October 28, 1954, in Baltimore, MD, she was the daughter of George Eston Clayton and Margaret Alice (McKenzie) Clayton and was raised in Riverdale, MD.
Bonnie married the love of her life, John S. Helms, and the two celebrated 51 years of marriage on March 19, 2024. They raised their daughter, Lorraine, at their home in Calvert County. Lorraine later married Rich Pellegrino and they had a son, RJ Pellegrino, who was Bonnie’s pride and joy. She loved being “Grandma” to RJ. Bonnie also enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, and loved her dogs. Bonnie’s Christian faith was a big part of her life and she was always willing to help those in need. Bonnie’s true joy in life was her family. She loved her family deeply and was always trying to keep in touch with everyone.
Bonnie started a career with the Federal Government in the early 1970s at the Washington Navy Yard, DC. Bonnie retired in March 2018 as a Research Analyst for the Office of Naval Intelligence in Suitland, MD after a long and distinguished career.
Survivors include her husband, John (“Jesse”) Helms; daughter Lorraine Pellegrino and her husband Rich; and her grandson RJ. Also surviving are her sisters Peggy Vaughn and her husband Donald of Arizona; Barbara Maisonneuve and her husband Lucien of Virginia; Terri Allen and her husband Donald of Maryland; Karen Clayton of West Virginia; and a brother, John Clayton and his wife Tina of Maryland. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Robert Clayton and Jerry Clayton; and three sisters Shirley Pilkerton, Nancy Hodge and Janice Graver.
A memorial visitation will be held on Monday, May 20, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by the memorial service at 11:00 AM at Rausch Funeral Home, Owings, MD.
Reception to follow at 12:30 PM at the Holland Point Civic Association (Loveless Building), 919 Walnut Avenue, North Beach, MD 20714.
Condolences
Sort Comments
13 May 2024
3:56pm
Jesse, Lorraine, Rich and RJ
Our hearts are with you all during this most difficult time
Please know that we are sending so much love your way right now and always.
Bonnie will be so missed.
Big hugs to all of you. I hope you can feel it.
City
Mesa
State
Arizona
14 May 2024
9:03am
May God’s Face Now Shine Upon Bonnie bringing her Refreshment, Light, and Peace.
Your love of family and hospitality was truly inspiring, Bonnie. Your family gatherings were always filled with warmth and joy, making me feel like part of the family. I felt so grateful for your open heart and open door.
All in my Heartfelt prayers, may Bonnie’s Legacy inspire Hope, Strength, and Solace to move forward. Know her spirit and heart will endure forever in your heart and life.
God Bless,
Deborah
City
Orange
State
Va.
14 May 2024
3:55pm
Jesse, Lorraine, Rich, and RJ–My prayers are with all of you at this sad time. Bonnie and I shared a friendship that I will always treasure. As devastating as this is to lose her, I know she is right there in heaven with God and her family. We shared so many memories together that I will always treasure. She had the kindest heart and sweetest spirit of anyone I’ve ever known. May God bless and comfort all of you now and in the days to come.
City
Prince Frederick
State
MD
15 May 2024
10:51am
We are heartbroken at the loss of Bonnie. She was always so kind and fun loving, and was devoted to all the family. Our deepest condolences to Jesse, Lorraine, Rich and RJ.
City
Bowie
State
MD
15 May 2024
3:21pm
We are so very sorry for your loss, Terri and Karen, and to all the family of Bonnie.
Your family at Gat Creek Furniture, Berkeley Springs, WV
City
Berkeley Springs
State
West Virginia
15 May 2024
5:24pm
We are very sorry to hear of Aunt Bonnie’s passing. Even though we haven’t seen you guys in a long time. We will always be family. Bonnie is with my DAD (Jerry) in heaven. Hugs to all. Love, Lisa Clayton Klomp, Lois Clayton, and Little Jerry.
City
Glendale
State
AZ
17 May 2024
6:53pm
Lorraine, I’m so sorry to read about your Mom. She was a lovely lady inside and out. R.I.P. my friend.
City
Stella
State
NC
19 May 2024
9:48am
Lorraine, Rich, RJ and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Ms. Bonnie was a beautiful lady inside and out. We always enjoyed seeing her beautiful smile and catching up with her. You all are in our thoughts and prayers constantly. Big hugs. Love you guys. Derek & Tina Thompson
City
Fort Myers
State
Florida
19 May 2024
12:55pm
Jesse, Lorraine, Rich and RJ. I am so heartbroken about Bonnie. She was one of my best friends and always treated me like a sister. I have so many beautiful memories of when we were together. She was kind and loving and funny. She always loved being with her family and hosted our family get togethers. I know she will be missed by everyone that she knew and loved. I will always be there for Jesse and Lorraine and Rich and RJ. My prayers are with them as they find peace.
City
Prince Frederick
State
MD
19 May 2024
11:54pm
Jesse, Lorraine, Richie and RJ. Wishing you comfort and peace to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold in your hearts. Of all the special blessings in life, to have Bonnie as my longest & dearest friend was the greatest blessing of them all. She will truly be missed but forever in our hearts❤️ I love you Bon❤️
City
St. Leonard
State
MD
24 May 2024
10:44am
To the Helms Family, Karen & Terri
Gods Speed
City
Southern Pines
State
NC
Sort Comments
Jesse, Lorraine, Rich and RJ
Our hearts are with you all during this most difficult time
Please know that we are sending so much love your way right now and always.
Bonnie will be so missed.
Big hugs to all of you. I hope you can feel it.
May God’s Face Now Shine Upon Bonnie bringing her Refreshment, Light, and Peace.
Your love of family and hospitality was truly inspiring, Bonnie. Your family gatherings were always filled with warmth and joy, making me feel like part of the family. I felt so grateful for your open heart and open door.
All in my Heartfelt prayers, may Bonnie’s Legacy inspire Hope, Strength, and Solace to move forward. Know her spirit and heart will endure forever in your heart and life.
God Bless,
Deborah
Jesse, Lorraine, Rich, and RJ–My prayers are with all of you at this sad time. Bonnie and I shared a friendship that I will always treasure. As devastating as this is to lose her, I know she is right there in heaven with God and her family. We shared so many memories together that I will always treasure. She had the kindest heart and sweetest spirit of anyone I’ve ever known. May God bless and comfort all of you now and in the days to come.
We are heartbroken at the loss of Bonnie. She was always so kind and fun loving, and was devoted to all the family. Our deepest condolences to Jesse, Lorraine, Rich and RJ.
We are so very sorry for your loss, Terri and Karen, and to all the family of Bonnie.
Your family at Gat Creek Furniture, Berkeley Springs, WV
We are very sorry to hear of Aunt Bonnie’s passing. Even though we haven’t seen you guys in a long time. We will always be family. Bonnie is with my DAD (Jerry) in heaven. Hugs to all. Love, Lisa Clayton Klomp, Lois Clayton, and Little Jerry.
Lorraine, I’m so sorry to read about your Mom. She was a lovely lady inside and out. R.I.P. my friend.
Lorraine, Rich, RJ and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Ms. Bonnie was a beautiful lady inside and out. We always enjoyed seeing her beautiful smile and catching up with her. You all are in our thoughts and prayers constantly. Big hugs. Love you guys. Derek & Tina Thompson
Jesse, Lorraine, Rich and RJ. I am so heartbroken about Bonnie. She was one of my best friends and always treated me like a sister. I have so many beautiful memories of when we were together. She was kind and loving and funny. She always loved being with her family and hosted our family get togethers. I know she will be missed by everyone that she knew and loved. I will always be there for Jesse and Lorraine and Rich and RJ. My prayers are with them as they find peace.
Jesse, Lorraine, Richie and RJ. Wishing you comfort and peace to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold in your hearts. Of all the special blessings in life, to have Bonnie as my longest & dearest friend was the greatest blessing of them all. She will truly be missed but forever in our hearts❤️ I love you Bon❤️
To the Helms Family, Karen & Terri
Gods Speed