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Pleasant Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary - Sebastopol

1700 Pleasant Hill Road

Sebastopol, California

Bonita MATOZA Obituary

MATOZA, Bonita (Bonnie) Violet Passed away peacefully April 24, 2013 at home in Santa Rosa at the age of 98, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Button Willow, CA and has been a Sonoma County resident for the past 89 years. With her husband, Gabriel, she owned and operated a Sebastopol music store, called Gay's Music Center, for 40 years. She took pleasure in teaching many students piano and organ lessons until age 97. Bonnie enjoyed her family, her friends, her music, and her flower and vegetable garden. She is survived by her three children, Carolyn (Ken) Blacklock, Maryann Bertoli, Gloria (Laird) Swensen; sisters, Clo Guertin and Anita Ramos; 10 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, May 2, at 11 a.m. at PLEASANT HILLS MEMORIAL PARK & MORTUARY, 1700 Pleasant Hill Road, Sebastopol. Memorial Contributions may be made to Luther Burbank Home & Gardens, 100 Santa Rosa Ave., Rm. 10, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. Online condolences may be sent to pleasanthillsmemorialpark.com CHEDA & LYONS -Directors (707) 823-5042

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press Democrat from Apr. 27 to Apr. 29, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Connie Williams

May 2, 2013

What wonderful people Bonnie and Gabe were.....I started taking accordian lessons from Gabe when I was 5 years old....in their down town Sebastopol shop. I always remember Bonnie and her sweet smile and kind words and how she loved music. Those were the good ol days....I was in the accordian band and played on the stage at Camp Meeker along with Gary Sanchetti who played drums. Good bye Bonnie....you were a special person....

May 1, 2013

Dear Carolyn, Maryann and Gloria,

We have so many fond memories of "hanging out" at the music center after school when mama (Jackie Stefenoni) worked for your folks. Your mom was not only a gifted and patient music teacher, she was also a kind, gracious and elegant lady.

She was truly one of the loveliest people we have ever known and we believe that everyone is richer for having had her in their lives. We know we are.

Our deepest sympathy to all of you and your families.

Cynthi Stefenoni and Deborah Sanchez

Maryanne Harrison-Kutsch

April 28, 2013

Carolyn, Mary Ann, and Gloria, I am so sorry to hear of Bonnie's passing. What an incredible life she has had on this earth. I have so many fond memories of being with her and your Dad. My Mom Adaline, loved Gab and your beautiful Mom. Thank you for sharing her with all of us. Love you all Cuz Maryanne

Marvin and Barbara Brinson

April 28, 2013

What a marvelous lady. It has been a priviledge to be her neighbor and friend. We will cherish the memories of our times together.

Dorothy LeCel

April 27, 2013

And let us not forget about those accordions! Bonnie & Gabe were wonderful teachers! May they both rest in peace, a former student, Dorothy Hale

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Funeral services provided by:

Pleasant Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary - Sebastopol

1700 Pleasant Hill Road, Sebastopol, CA 95472

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