Bonne Arnold Gaebler

San Rafael, CA - Bonne Gaebler (May 8, 1941 - February 2, 2025) a beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Groundhog Day February 2, 2025, age 83. She was an incredible mom to Robbin and Christopher, and a cherished grandmother, affectionately known as "GranBonne," to her four grandchildren: Mariah, Jalen, Willa, and Zoey. Her kids were the delight of her life. She was grateful to have both a girl and a boy and that they both turned out to be awesome adults.

Bonne's legacy of love, service, and activism will be remembered by all who knew her. She leaves behind a family and community forever grateful for her impact on their lives. In addition to her husband, two children, and four grandchildren her family also included her daughter-in-law Julia Gaebler and son-in-law Earnest Ford.

Bonne was married to Ted for 61 wonderful years. They met on their first day of college on February 2, 1960. Over the course of several years, Bonne authored these principles of a successful marriage: shared values, living together, money, intimacy, sex, parenting, and luck. She carried these principles in her purse, and Ted kept a copy in his wallet. They both used them as touchstones for their long marriage.

Born on May 8, 1941, in Waterville, Ohio, Bonne attended school in the same building from first grade all the way through 12th grade in Oak Harbor, Ohio! She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Miami University in Oxford Ohio in 1963 where she was a proud member of the Alpha Phi Sorority. Bonne later obtained her Master's degree in Community Planning from the University of Cincinnati in 1973 and later a teaching certificate from Fresno State in 1983.

Bonne's career was dedicated to serving others, particularly in housing and education. She spent 25 years as the Housing Director for the City of Petaluma, where she facilitated the development of nearly 2,300 units of affordable housing. Bonne was also a founding member of Rebuilding Together Petaluma (RTP).

Bonne started the high school Latin language program in Visalia, California and then taught Latin at Novato high school. Her Latin students counted her among their favorite teachers - even staying in touch with her long after graduation. Her children's friends would all comment that their grammar was better because of Bonne. She constantly corrected their grammar, and they gratefully acknowledge the long-term value of these exchanges.

Bonne's life was guided by a clear set of liberal values, and she often challenged people who inadvertently or intentionally transgressed those values.

A lifelong feminist and activist, Bonne marched for women's rights, fought for pro-choice causes, and protected victims of domestic abuse. She was an active member of the League of Women Voters. Bonne also served on various committees at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Marin, including one for elder care. She had a lifelong interest in the Holocaust, visiting several death camps and was deeply affected by the atrocities portrayed.

Bonne lived in five states, tracking her husband's career as a local government manager. In 1985 she and Ted moved to San Rafael, where she lived until she passed. She was a dedicated helpmate throughout Ted's career.

She did not leave the country until she was 50. But then, she and Ted became avid travelers. They traveled the world - to more than 60 countries. Some of Bonne's favorite places were: Soweto and Robben Island in South Africa, Antarctica, and Helsinki (of special note was the concert hall), the Eiffel Tower (lit up at night in Paris), and train rides through the Swiss Alps. They visited as many Olympic venues as they could in London, Beijing, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro and Sydney. By far their favorite destination was Lake Tahoe, which they visited more than 100 times! Bonne was an avid poker slots player, which earned them upgraded rooms with views of the lake!

Bonne was a passionate sports fan! She supported teams like the Cincinnati Reds ("The Big Red Machine"), the "Splash Brothers" Golden State Warriors, the "Showtime" Lakers, and the "Jerry Rice" 49ers. Bonne was a dedicated sports mom too, attending countless swim meets, water polo matches, and basketball games.

Significant moments in her life included: the passing of Title IX (she supported girls' access to sports); the election of President Barack Obama in 2008 and his reelection in 2012; the release of Nelson Mandela from prison in South Africa; and the births of her children and grandchildren.

Her heroes and Sheroes included John Wooden, Barbara Jordan, Pat Summitt, Nelson Mandela, JFK, Steph Curry, Shirley Chisholm, Gloria Steinem and Steve Kerr.

Bonne was an excellent amateur Scrabble player and a voracious reader. She read every Dick Francis novel, loved Janet Evanovich, and consumed the biographies about Phil Jackson. She loved John Denver, Johnny Cash, Johnny Mathis, and John Lennon and listened to their music every day.

Later in life, Bonne faced Parkinson's disease with courage, using thrice-weekly boxing classes to keep the symptoms at bay for seven years. Bonne described herself as feisty, fearsome, courageous, enthusiastic, and passionate. She was not a "wimp"!

Bonne leaves behind her older sister, Joyce St. Clair of Port Clinton, Ohio, and an older brother Leroy Bernard Arnold, also of Ohio. Her parents, Hugh and Ila Arnold and another older brother, Robert, pre-deceased her.

The family wishes to thank her caregivers and friends who acted as caregivers - Maggie, Mary, Kat and Alta.

The family is planning a celebration of life for Bonne sometime in May. Those wishing to honor Bonne's memory may consider a gift to help resolve homeless issues or fund scholarships for young women.