Jesusa Lozano Bonilla

Jesusa “Susie” Lozano Bonilla, 89, passed peacefully at her home in Portage, Indiana, on January 27, 2026, surrounded by her loving family who tenderly cared for her until the end.

Susie was born on January 3, 1937, in Caguas, Puerto Rico, to Lorenza and Perfecto Lozano. In her junior year of high school, she moved to East Chicago, Indiana, where she continued her education alongside her sisters at Washington High School. Together, they became affectionately known at their school as the “Puerto Rico Sisters,” a name that reflected both their close bond and the pride they carried in their heritage.

Through her older brother, Susie met Leonides Bonilla, the man who would become her beloved husband and lifelong partner for more than 50 years. Together they built a life centered on family, service, and love. Susie faithfully served alongside Leonides during his years as a pastor, supporting his ministry with devotion and grace while they served in Palatine, Illinois, for seven years.

Susie was full of laughter and had a joyful spirit that drew people in. She especially cherished moments when her family was all together—those gatherings were her greatest joy. Her love language was cooking delicious meals for everyone to enjoy together. She adored her children and grandchildren and took deep pride in each of them. Each night, Susie ended her day by reading her Bible before bed, a quiet and meaningful practice that brought her peace.

She also had a creative heart. Susie loved making ceramic figurines and ran a small business for many years in Indiana and Las Piedras, Puerto Rico. She shared her artistry with her community and found joy in her art.

When asked what religion she was, she would say, “Somos una familia Pentecostal. ¡Yo soy Pentecostal, de la cabeza a los pies!”

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leonides Bonilla; her sister Josephine LaSalle; her brothers Juan Lozano and Jose Hernandez; and her cherished grandson, Juan Julian Bonilla.

Susie is survived by her sisters Aurora “Doris” Acevedo and Cecilia Cruz; her children Leo (Carmen) Bonilla, Wilma (Osvaldo) Marcano, William (Theresa) Bonilla, Dolores (Yasuo) Kobayashi, Elizabeth (Javier) Rivera, Dan (Damaris) Bonilla, and Juan (Melba) Bonilla; 18 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward her legacy of service, love, laughter, and devotion to family.

Susie will be remembered as an amazing mother, a sweet and devoted grandmother, and a woman whose warmth and laughter filled every room. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A public viewing will be held Tuesday, February 3, 2026 from 4pm to 6pm at - Iglesia Pentecostal Emanuel - Harbor Church

3802 Elm St | East Chicago, IN 46312.

The Funeral Servivce will begin at 6pm until 8pm that evening.

Jesusa will be laid to rest Friday, February 6th at Cemeterio Municipal Historico, Las Pierdas, Puerto Rico.

A complete obituary is pending