Hildegarde Mathilde Lucienne Charbonnet Leffen

Hildegarde Mathilde Lucienne Charbonnet Leffen

December 18, 2025

Hildegarde Mathilde Lucienne Charbonnet Leffen, of Upperville, Virginia passed on Thursday, December 18.

A valiant warrior to the end, she fought off a long dual-battle with both breast and endocrine cancer, until she conquered the breach between heaven and earth at the age of 81.

She was predeceased by her parents Pierre Numa Charbonnet, Jr. VADM USN (Ret) of New Orleans, Louisiana and Mary Amelia Wheat Dutton of Annapolis, Maryland. Her sisters Louise Charbonnet McIver, Michelle Charbonnet Tompkins and brother Pierre Numa Charbonnet, III.

"Bonnie", "Bean" or the "Great Grand Bean", as she was known to her family and friends, attended The Hill School in Middleburg, Virginia , Holton Arms School in their former location in Washington DC, Loyola University New Orleans, Louisiana. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Coastal Carolina in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

She is survived by her sister, Pan Charbonnet Benefield of Delaplane,VA , three daughters and nine grandchildren: Allise Leffen Pelham (Sam) their children Samuel, Cameron and Malcolm of San Clemente, California; "Coco" Leffen Jacobs (Jon/"Jake") their children Jon, William, and Emma of Marshall, Virginia; and Leslie Leffen Rohan (Andrew) their children Edward, Oliver and Henry of St.Louis, Missouri.

Bonnie, the eldest of five children, was a consummate introvert most at home with her books - often having to be bribed by her siblings to join in their play. She and her siblings were Navy Juniors, introducing them to numerous duty stations across the United States. In her teens she traveled the world with her grandmother and uncle. It was a pivotal experience that opened her mind to many cultures and religions and ignited her quest for more knowledge and understanding of everything.

Bonnie and her husband John became fast friends during her high school years, when by grand design the Charbonnets and Leffens became neighbors in Arlington, VA. They would wait for each other on the front stoop of Bonnie's home to review their evening dates. John began writing a list of everything he wanted in a bride and found she was right next door. Bonnie did not have a list, nor ever intended too. Dating was just fine. John was not one to give up. She was tenaciously chased and after 7 proposals she finally relented and said, Yes(?) at the Coach Stop in Middleburg, VA. A happy 54 year marriage ensued, based in friendship, books, laughter and love was the best example they gave their daughters.

She is profoundly missed.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Trinity Hospice or Breast Cancer Research Foundation.