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O. Perry Walker High School L.B. Landry High School Southeastern Louisiana University

Bonnie Anderson Obituary

ANDERSON Bonnie Stempel Anderson succumbed to cancer on Thursday, November 11th at 10:15 PM. She was 46. Adored wife of David E. Anderson, dearly loved daughter of Ruth C. Stempel and the late Edward W. Stempel, Sr., Bonnie is also survived by her brothers and sisters, Edward W. Stempel, Jr., John L. Stempel, Barbara Smyth, and Cynthia Stempel Schroeder, as well as many nieces and nephews. Bonnie was a native of New Orleans. She graduated from O. Perry Walker High School and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southeastern Louisiana University where she was active in theater. She moved to San Francisco in 1990 and was active in many civic and charitable organizations in the Bay Area, among them The Junior League and The San Francisco Zoo. Prior to her illness, Bonnie had just embarked on a new chapter of her life with David in Miami earlier this year. Bonnie's caring, generous, and nurturing spirit will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, donations to Audubon of Florida, 444 Brickell Avenue, Suite 850, Miami, FL 33131 would be appreciated. Memorial services will be private.

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

Published by The Times-Picayune from Nov. 14 to Nov. 15, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Bonnie Anderson

Sponsored by Family.

41 Entries

Debbie Mcauliffe

November 8, 2019

Bonnie was a beautiful soul. She was always positive and helpful. Her passion for sharing knowledge about the earth and all creatures was contagious. I still miss her very much.

Leslie Callender (formerly Lipps)

August 28, 2014

I am so sorry to be just hearing of Bonnie's passing. I was just chatting with some old friends on Facebook and was never able to find Bonnie there - my sophomore college roommate at SLU - so I decided to google her name. Bonnie was a beautiful, fun-loving person. She was a great roommate because she was so caring and considerate. We lost touch when I got married and moved to Germany right after college. I see from the pictures posted here that she was just as beautiful later in life as she was at 20. So very sorry for your loss!

November 11, 2011

Dearest Bonnie,

Just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you today. I love and miss you very much.

Love,
Barbara

6th Annual Tea, Cynthia, Barbara, Kelly, Melissa and Faith

December 2, 2010

Barbara Smyth

November 14, 2010

Dear Bonnie,

It has been 6 long years since you were here and you are very much in our thoughts and prayers. Trey often speaks about you and says that's "My Nana". He will never forget you.

Thursday we had your annual tea and the host once again was very gracious! He prepared a menu of teas in memory of you and we spoke of how much you enjoyed going to tea no matter where you were visiting. Again he read to us from his book of published poems.

Though you are gone you will always be in our hearts. Love you little sister.

5 Year Annual Tea - Cynthia, Barbara, Kelly and Trey

November 14, 2009

Bonnie's Annual Tea - 5 Years

November 14, 2009

Cynthia Stempel

November 11, 2009

My dearest little sister, Bonnie,

Today we had your annual tea at The English Tea Room in Covington. The gentleman that owns the tea room gave each of us a signed copy of one of his published poems that we all loved. His name is Martin Anthony Kelly and he was wonderful when he found out why we were there.

I asked if we could place his words on your memorial page and he was very pleased.

We miss you - it's been five very long years, but you are still in our hearts forever.

The poem:

FAREWELL

This is my time
My final farewell
I know I shan't return
But if my leaving makes you sad
One thing of you I yearn
Do not remember my final state
My failing health
My weakened gait
But in your memory please recall
When my walk was straight
And firm
And tall
Within such times
Please dwell awhile
Until your tears meet with a smile
I will be with you then as I should be
Sharing
Caring
Embracing our history
I'm sorry that I have to leave
I'm sorry I must go
But one thing from life
I take with me
Is the fact
You love me so

Your loving sister, Cynthia

JOHN STEMPEL

July 13, 2007

Happy birthday Bonnie, I'm still moving the grocery carts like I promised. We miss you so much, please pray for and help Mama through the difficult time she is havingduring the last few months. LOVE JOHNNY

Cynthia Stempel

October 22, 2006

Yesterday, 21 October 2006, we held our 2nd annual tea in honor of my dear sister, Bonnie. Her wish was to have a tea each year in remembrance of her life for this is something she truly loved to do. Whenever visiting with Bonnie, we seemed always to make time for this ritual. This year it was hosted by my sister, Barbara, and me at my home. There were pictures set at the different tables which commemorated her life from childhood through her last years. Each person was given a candle with a beautiful card attached which read:

Please burn this candle November 11th
For my soul which lies within the Heavens
God Bless you for your prayers for me
For I know someone still cares for me.

My brothers, Johnny and Eddie, were also on hand for this occasion and Johnny did the honors of presenting the toast. I still cannot seem to get through any speeches without becoming overly emotional. Johnny spoke about how much we loved and missed Bonnie and also that God had brought Bonnie to heaven to help shepherd Winnie, his wife who died 27 October 2005, and my sweet granddaughter, Victoria Bonnie, who died 29 July 2006 into his kingdom. His words were very moving as always and we all had tears for our loss. He then read the words which I had written:

Two years have passed since you took your place in Heaven
And though it seems an eternity
We still hear your joyous laugh,
We still know your undeniable love and caring
And we will hold the bond that was shared fervently in our hearts

Your passion for life and zealous imagination
Will live on in all of us that knew you so well
You taught us the importance of loving and sharing
And generous kindness to be given to those around us
These are lessons that we must try to carry with us in your honor
For you were truly a beautiful person, and now, a beautiful angel

You embraced your loved ones
Your family, your friends, your neighbors
All that knew you loved and admired you
And we in turn shall always embrace your memory

You will forever live on within each and every one of us and stories of your many adventures and travels will be retold to our younger generations so they too will have an opportunity to know you – even if only through our eyes. We love you and miss you immeasurably – as each passing day turns into evening, we pray that you are happy and with our loved ones that have passed on before us.

We then proceeded to celebrate Bonnie’s life as she wished – telling stories about the tea times we had shared together in different locations. I remembered our tea at The Empress in British Columbia where we enjoyed the most wonderful blueberries and Devonshire cream, so therefore we included this as our dessert for the day. Bonnie need not worry that we should ever forget her – she is with me each and every day.

I sign this as she signed one of the lovely tea books she gave to me,

Your sister, lovingly, Cynthia

Mama

November 11, 2005

Hi Bonnie, My beautiful, precious daughter,

It is one year today that the good Lord took you from us. I miss my phone call every morning hearing your voice say "Hi, My Mama".

We hear from David quite often and he has visited with us numerous times. It is always good to see him. He is so much a part of you.

Bonnie, I am not much of a writer, but I had to let you know much I miss you and love you so very much. You will never be out of my thoughts and prayers. You are always close to my heart.

Everyone misses you - We just lost Winnie, another wonderful, loving "daughter". I know she is with you now. You are my angels.

I wear my cross and chain every day that you gave to me through David on Thanksgiving Day last year. I never take it off and never will.

Love forever, Mama

Cynthia Stempel

November 11, 2005

My dearest little sister,

It's been one year today since you were taken away from your loving family. We still think about you constantly and pray throughout the day for you. I tell my grandson that you are his guardian angel and I truly believe that you are. Austin always hears that his Great Aunt Bonnie is looking out for him and protecting him.

Every month on the 11th, I burn a candle in your honor. Today it will burn the entire day and Mama, Barbara, and I will each pray during the course of the day for your serenity. I just can't seem to let you go. There have been several signs that I have witnessed that tell me that you know that you are never far from my mind or heart or that we are never far from yours.

We lost another beautiful member of our family on 27 October 2005. I hope that Winnie is with you and you are both enjoying the peace and joyfulness of your kingdom.

We love you and will never forget you. Your memory will always be kept alive with the new additions to the family.

I miss you and love you. I will place another picture of you in your photo gallery soon.

Your sister, Cynthia

Cynthia Stempel

February 11, 2005

My Dear, Dear Bonnie,

Today is three months since you left us and yet it feels as if it is an eternity. Each day without you - not being able to talk to you about the little things, hear your words of wisdom, or see your beautiful face, seems a year.

I pray for you thoughout every day and wonder if you're able to hear me. I truly believe that if anyone could, it would be you. Our bond is still strong and will always be. I can hear and see clearly your last months, days, minutes with us. You are the most brave person I have ever known.

There is a huge piece of me that is missing without you. You are truly my soul mate. I miss you dreadfully and love you ceaselessly.

Mama sends her love and holds tight to your picture and memories.

Cynthia

Charline McMillan-Kirk

December 19, 2004

I met Bonnie in 1977 at Southeastern La. University as we were both highly involved in theatre. She was my first Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, my absolute favorite play.

After college we continued to stay in contact, writing because we were too poor for long distance calls. When we were able to afford phone calls, we didn't. We both loved the handwritten letter and want a joy it was to see that extraordinary handwriting of Bonnie's on an envelope! It called for a cup of tea and a snuggle into the couch for a good read. She'd send me postcards from David and her's travels and I used those as teaching tools in my classroom.

I remember when she and David were just talking on the phone, getting materials for the Audobon Zoo project and she said he "sounded cute" and then they met and I didn't get too many letters for a while.

We maintained our friendship all these years through the mail. We wrote until she could write no more and I wrote her everyday at Cynthia and Karl's. How could I get everything in if I didn't?

I went to the wedding and about five years ago we met for an afternoon in Gulf Shores and I took her to some of my favorite Perdido Key/Pensacola wild places and we just sat and watched birds and the water. It was a quiet visit, but you didn't have to have a lot of hoopla to know you had a friend, a real true to end friend when you were with Bonnie.

Bonnie and David had a magnificent marriage and partnership. Deep respectful love is the true lesson there.

Thank you, Bonnie, for being such a fantastic friend and earth angel. Prayers of Thanksgiving for you and your gifts to us all!

Charline McMillan Kirk

Stevensville, Montana

Shanon Mazoue

December 3, 2004

Bonnie will always live on in my heart as a strong, kind and loving person who shared with me how to look deeper inside myself for the strength to not give up on what I believe in. If not for her passion for life and love (and her almost kicking my butt!), I would have lost what mattered the most to me. Thank you Bonnie for all of the memories of Gulf Shores, and tea at Windsor Court, and Dancing in the French Quarter. You will live on in my heart forever. Love, Shanon.

Our Beautiful and Loving Bonnie

Cynthia Stempel

December 2, 2004

My Beloved Bonnie,

Your beauty will shine brightly forever. We will miss you and love you always and will never forget your many wonderful life lessons, especially the gift of knowing what is truly important - people. You gave of yourself freely and delighted in life itself. You loved your books and never tired of learning, but your greatest knowledge was how to bring people together and how to love without condition.

With my love, Cynthia

November 30, 2004

The Stairway Home

Dear God,

A dear one has made her transition Home,

In this time of mourning, wipe our tears,

Lighten our pain,

Carry the heaviness of our loss,

Remind us, her spirit is eternal.

May Your angels escort her in ascending the stairway upward,

The hand hewn stairs, memories of lessons past,

May your angels

Receive her with glory,

Surround her with light,

Embrace her with love,

Celebrate her with joy,

Bless her with peace,

Deliver her to You.

Amen

A Beautiful Prayer for Bonnie

Laura Barnhart From 'Prayers From a Wounded Warrior'

Justin Macione

November 27, 2004

Even though I knew Bonnie for less than a year, the thing that struck me about her was how caring she was for everybody else she loved and how it seemed like she cared just as much about how they were doing as they were herself. My first memories of her were how Michelle told me about her trip and internship to San Francisco last summer and all of the things that they did together and all of the time that they spent together. I could tell right there that she was a person who was extremely giving of herself. When I met her last winter for the first time, it was obvious and for the several too-short months I knew her, I was just amazed at how concerned she was about how Michelle and I were doing all the time. From now on is the time to return the favor, not forget about her and think about her like she was always thinking about others.

Ruth Stempel

November 26, 2004

At Bonnie's Thanksgiving Memorial Service.

Bonnie asked that we remember a particular incident in her life. She wanted us to be joyous and celebrate her life. This was a difficult task, but our Thanksgiving was a very loving tribute to this wonderful person.

No matter what her age, Bonnie was still my baby. Born on the same day, we always shared a special bond. We loved each other as only a mother and daughter could.

From an early age, Bonnie always enjoyed reading and the movies. Bonnie was a quiet child that spent most of her time reading in her room. She was so quiet that I always thought that I might forget her somewhere. Sure enough, we were visiting my nephew and his family one day, and of course, Bonnie had brought a book to read. We spent some time there and as we left and were driving down the road, I heard a voice yelling "Mama, wait for me". I had forgotten Bonnie!!

Bonnie continued her love of the theater and dance and by the time she had reached college, she had mastered the lead in all of the productions and was a member of the dance team - as she was in high school.

Our family was so proud of our shy little girl that had grown into a beautiful, loving, vibrant woman.

God, please take care of my baby.

Your loving Mother

Karl Schroeder

November 26, 2004

Many have commented on what a giving person Bonnie was. I saw many examples of this over the years since I became an "adopted" Stempel. But her greatest gifts to me were not material things. While Cynthia was in Miami helping David during the early stages of Bonnie's illness I came down for 10 days or so to lend what little assistance I could provide. During this visit Bonnie told us of her desire to spend her final days in New Orleans, and to stay at our home. While I could not even think of denying this request, the thought was frigtening. This was uncharted territory, and I was concerned with everything from my emotional ability to deal with the situation to whether or not Cynthia and I could stand living in the house after things had run their course.

Bonnie and David joined our household in September, and as you can imagine, there were some "adjustments" to make on all sides. Putting 2 middle-aged, set in their ways couples together 24/7 and throwing in a constant stream of visitors could have been a recipe for disaster. While there were moments of tension, we managed to work through our issues and focus on taking care of our beloved Bonnie.

Her final gifts to me?

After 17 years, I got to know and understand David more than I ever had through our previous short visits.

I found in myself the ability to be more tolerant than I have been in the past, and learned that a lot of things I formerly thought important are really quite trivial in the grand scheme of things.

Most important of all, through this tragedy I discovered that my wife possessed the same giving, caring qualities that Bonnie was known for. I watched in amazement as she selflessly put the needs of others ahead of her own over the past 5 months, no matter how exhausted or eaxasperated she may have been. For this, I love her more than ever.

Thank You Bonnie, for the best gift you ever gave me.

Karl

D. Wilson

November 25, 2004

I met Bonnie when she was about 6 years old. Her sister Cyndy and I were 12years old. When Bonnie was growing up I remember her reading or doing cross word puzzles. She always had a beautiful smile and a twinkle in her eye. She was kind, witty and inteligent. Because of the miles between us I only saw her occasionally but I saw her life through Cyndy's eyes. I knew of her travels to Africa, her involvement at the San Francisco zoo, her cross-country trip from California to Miami, her love for her family and love and devotion to her husband David. I know she will always be in the hearts of her family and friends. She is our angel.

Blair Rossignol

November 25, 2004

Dear Aunt Bonnie,

I miss you very much. I hope that you are happy with your daddy and that I will always love you forever. I spent so much time with you on the walk that you brought me on and we went to a bakery shop and we got a loaf of bread for Thanksgiving and then you got me a bagel. I was so happy because it was very nice of you to buy me a bagel. When we went back home we had turkey and I got to sit next to you and you brought me a piece of cheesecake that you made. In the morning when we woke up on Thanksgiving Day, you let me help with making the turkey.

I love you,

Blair (your great-niece, 8 years old)

Cynthia, Uncle Bob and Bonnie, April 2001.

November 24, 2004

Keith

November 20, 2004

Aunt Bonnie,

As you know, vocabulary games have never been my strong suit. I think back to our first game of Scrabble and I still find it difficult to turn letters into words. Right now, as I attempt to express my thoughts, I feel like I am playing a game of Boggle—no matter how many times I shake the cube, I still cannot find any words. Thank goodness I am not being timed.

In the days since your passing, I have had many opportunities to reflect on what you meant to me. You were more than just an aunt. At times, you were like a second mother who made sure I never strayed too far off the beaten path. Other times, you were that close friend that I always looked forward to seeing. I feel very fortunate for all the opportunities that I was given to come visit you. You could say that it was time well spent because you played an instrumental part in shaping me into the person that I am today. I cannot even begin to recount the many life-lasting lessons you shared or the simple advice you offered. One day, the many pieces of my life will eventually fall into place like a jigsaw puzzle and I will be able to say that one of those corner pieces is you. Thank you.

Well, in the end, it was always those little words in Scrabble that made all the difference. The three little words “I love you” say everything in their simple pureness. You may no longer be with us, but you will be in our hearts and our minds forever.

Love,

Nancy (Anderson) Goodridge

November 19, 2004

There’s so much to miss! Bonnie gave me advice on orchids, stretched my language skills with a vocabulary at least three times mine, urged me to keep reaching higher, laughed easily, and gave me a beautiful crystal angel because she understood the desolation of losing a sister. She loved my dog Katy as much as I do and spoiled her more. And how she appreciated architecture! Every angle, crown, strut, and lintel caught her eye but she gushed over period houses and neighborhoods with charm. In time, she would have loved South Florida with all its differences from San Francisco. She had grown to enjoy it already, and wanted so much to explore it, swimming in the Venetian Pool, taking a leisurely walk through the Biltmore, or enjoying the splendor of Fairchild or Vizcaya gardens.

Through her we Andersons were able to meet an incredible family – it’s easy to see where Bonnie got her zest for life. She spoke of all the Stempels often and always with love and special affection. And where would we be without Karl? Thank you, Karl and Cynthia for all you did for us. You're everything she said you were - and more.

René deLaup

November 19, 2004

The sky itself wore sack cloth and ashes when Bonnie left us. The next two days were dreary and gray, the thick cloud cover refusing

to admit the sun's cheer.

The outpouring of affection by those wanting to see Bonnie in her last days overwhelmed her. She told me she "just never knew." She wanted to get to know each one so much better, and regretted that her fate would not let her. Bonnie, who loved entertaining, throwing dinner parties, having family stay with her, having a full house, who wanted to make her home a loving haven for her friends and family from the world's meanness, for whom to live was to love those around her, knew at the end the effect she had on people.

She must be racing around to comfort us all as we grieve. Tuesday afternoon, as I was writing her sister Cynthia, preparing my submission to the online guest book, and writing high-school classmates I was having my own difficult grieving session. It overwhelmed me and the tears flowed. Suddenly I had the unmistakable feeling that someone was hugging me. I'm sure it was her.

Thanks for your love, Bonnie. We'll always love you.

November 18, 2004

Masses of flowers

loaded the cherry branches

and color some bushes

yellow and some red

but the grief in my heart

is stronger than they

for though they were my joy

formerly, today I notice them

and turned away forgetting

William Carlos Williams, U.S. poet and physician (1883-1963)

Karen Rogers

November 17, 2004

I've lived in San Francisco for over 30 years, and my husband is a fourth generation San Franciscan. Yet it took a little lady from the Big Easy to make our neighborhood feel more like home to me.

Bonnie was like a lovely breeze on a warm day. She entered rooms, conversations, neighborhoods and lives with such a light, sunny ease that you hardly noticed, but suddenly you felt brighter, freer and more at home. Within weeks of moving to Westwood Highlands (SF) she was chatting with neighbors,inviting them to tea, petting the neighborhood dogs and redesigning gardens. She got to know and like just about everyone in the vicinity, and she often brought us together with parties and block events.

One enduring gift to the neighborhood was her inspiration to start a bookclub, which we now lovingly call Bonnie's Bookclub. She gathered together this group of bright, learned yet disparate ladies--not unlike the way she gathered various annuals, perenials, bulbs, plants and flowers of differing hues for her gardens--and all of us feel richer for the opportunity of growing in closer proximity to each other.

Even in her moving to Miami with her beloved David, Bonnie gave us a gift. She brought home to us that we must savor the precious time we have to be together, and let it enrich us even in its absense.

I will try to achieve what David has asked of us--to foster the good that Bonnie cultivated in each of us, as she cultivated her gardens. May we all bloom a little brighter in her honor.

Sera Crumley

November 17, 2004

The first time I met Bonnie was when Barbara (Bonnie's sister) invited me to tea with her family. She made me feel so welcomed. I know she will have many tea parties in heaven. When you do, Bonnie, look my mother up, she would love to meet you.

God Bless you. I know you are at peace.

Jeff Stempel

November 17, 2004

Now one will ever know way this had to happen to such a sweet and kind individual, my Aunt Bonnie. She was the type of person who went out of her way to all extremes for others. In my lifetime, I didn't get to see much of her due to her living in San Francisco, but when I had the opportunity to see her (Mardi Gras, Thanksgiving, Christmas) I tried to make the most of her visit.

When my family and I learned of her illness, it was devastating. A illness of such kind for a person so young. It was a hard thing to cope with, especially around my family. My father Edward, Bonnie's brother, was very upset with the death of his youngest sister. He is a strong person along with his whole family which will pull through this sad time in our lives.

After all, Bonnie has made all of us a better person in all aspects of life. She has taught us to adore every second in our lives with happiness. Everday in my life, I cherish the time that I spend with my beautiful wife Julie and my family because one day that person might not be there for you.

If you knew Bonnie, you knew that she was one of a kind. Always happy-go-lucky in whatever she did. We will miss her alot but she will be with us in spirits as long as we live.

We Love You with all of our hearts!

GOD BLESS AUNT BONNIE

lisa montgomery

November 17, 2004

i knew bonnie from high school & remember her now for her sweet disposition and long blonde hair. bonnie always had a smile on her face & kind words for you. it is always tragic when someone dies, but when someone as good, as young, & as vibrant as bonnie dies young, it's more than tragic. my sympathy to her family.

Kelly Rossignol

November 16, 2004

There is so much that can be said about Aunt Bonnie. She was a wonderful person that I really admired and wanted to be like. She has taught me so many things about life and marriage such as how to compromise and love unconditionally. That is how Bonnie lived everyday she loved her family and friends more than most people can imagine and her love for her husband was simply amazing. When I met my husband I alwayys said to him I wanted a marriage like my Aunt Bonnie and Uncle David, they just seem to have a special connection. I learned how to love without sacrificing myself through her examples.

I am devastated by her death and will never fully accept it or understand why this happened. Bonnie was my son Trey's godmother and that made her so happy. I am so sorry that she will miss him growing up because I know she was looking forward to that.

Thanksgiving is Bonnie's favorite holiday and I feel blessed that my family and I were with here in San Francisco last year for her last Thanksgiving, although we did not know that at the time.

Bonnie's love and advice will live on in all who knew her and we are lucky to have had this time with her. As an adult Bonnie has become so much more to me than an Aunt she had become a dear friend whose friendship I cherished. It will be difficult to get through the times when I can't ask her opinion on things.

Bonnie, you will be greatly missed.

I love You

Kelly

René deLaup

November 16, 2004

I knew Bonnie in high school. Our class elected the wrong homecoming queen. Bonnie was a precious and lovely high-school girl. I remember her mesmerizing beauty in the white prom dress, in another white dress at graduation, and even in those casual schoolgirl dresses for class. A year after graduation she was just as lovely in navy-blue cord trousers and a white and blue blouse when we went to see a play back at the high school. Likewise in 1983 in a long black, business dress in a cocktail lounge with coworkers after 5:00.

Bonnie was the embodiment of love. Everyone I’ve spoken with recently of Bonnie remarks on what a sweet disposition she had. Bonnie always had more cheerfulness for me when we greeted than I was able to muster at the time. She was my stage fiancée in the drama-club play at the end of our senior year. I’ll always remember her kiss and hug at the last cast party to thank me for bringing her a rose on the last night we did the play. I had just done what I was told; Bonnie worked from her heart.

More recently Bonnie told me of her intense love for her nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. I know they feel an especially keen loss now.

Bonnie told me about the chocolate martini and how she liked to make it. It’s delicious, and I will enjoy her favorite recipe for it the rest of my life. She wanted to join the gourmet and wine society at the Biltmore, read to the blind, frolic in the backyard pool with her “grands”, show them the roar and power of the ocean and other natural-beauty sights in Florida.

I last saw Bonnie in 1989 for maybe 10 minutes. Before that it was just as briefly in 1983 in the cocktail lounge after work. But I miss her like she has lived next door the entire time.

I too believe I will see her again. Until then, Godspeed, Bonniebean. Godspeed.

Much love, René

Lori Campbell

November 15, 2004

I knew Bonnie only briefly, through our neighborhood association. At the last association dinner, I had the pleasure of sitting next to Bonnie. Over the course of the conversation,Bonnie mentioned the neighborhood book club, inviting me to take her place, as she was moving to Florida. Bonnie introduced me to other book club members who were attending the dinner, and then followed up to make sure I was included in the email list, and invited to the next book club meeting. This small, gracious act of kindness has so deeply changed my life. I am enourmously enriched, through the books we read, and the discussions we have. I feel so very fortunate to be included in this group of intelligent, thoughtful, and most of all warm and caring women. I am saddened that the wonderful woman that made this possible for me has been taken from us. I will always be indebdted to Bonnie for her immeasurable contribution to my life.

James Bruno

November 15, 2004

At best, Bonnie and I were aquaintances. However, I will always remember her as a kind, considerate and thoughtful person. We were both in the O. Perry Walker drama club production of the Hobbit in 1976. I was Gandalf. She never had a harsh word for anyone and she was a very beautiful individual inside and out. I am sorry to see her go. The world has lost a very special person.

Paul Klapka

November 15, 2004

If there is one word that I can think of to describe Bonnie, it would be 'poise'. I took Bonnie to the Walker senior prom. She was radiant in a long white gown. My photo with Bonnie and me is prominently displayed in my parent's house. Of course, it rained during the prom, and I remember at the post-party Bonnie, with complete aplomb, reminiscing about the evening by looking at the hem of her gown. "Here's the mud when we ran to the car from Commander's Palace. Here's where we stepped in the puddle on Canal Street going to the Marriott." Bonnie was a kind, sweet person in high school and I will always remember her that way. I am very sorry for your loss.

Jackie Kenley

November 15, 2004

I always felt better after time spent with Bonnie. She had a warmth and gift of hospitality in the truest sense of that word. Our neighborhood was blessed by her presence and joy and we miss her so much. I remember dancing with Bonnie last New Years Eve-what joy and fun. I am so thankful to have known this great lady.

Jackie Kenley, San Francisco neighbor

Debbie McAuliffe

November 15, 2004

All that David said in his letter was so true. Bonnie gave us a preview of God's most beautiful and perfect love.

My faith tells me that I am still in communion with all the saints and truly Bonnie is in this category.

On Saturday morning at my church in San Francisco I offered my presence at Mass for Bonnie. As I led the congregation in song, I sang my best for her.

It is the time of year when my congregation publicly acknowledges our beloved friends and family who have gone before us. I placed Bonnie's name on the banner. It will remain there until the first week of December and she and her family will be prayed for each day.

Michael Sullivan

November 15, 2004

I went to high school with Bonnie. My date (Janie Husum) and I went to the prom with Bonnie and her date (Paul Klapka). I still remember how lovely she looked with her long blonde hair and that long white dress. We were all in the drama club together and were in such plays as Meet Me in St. Louis and The Hobbit. I also remember our Senior class night skit when Bonnie played a French maid. It has been years since I've seen Bonnie, but I was lucky enough to have exchanged a few e-mails with her in the last 2 years or so. I will always remember her beauty, poise, warmth, kindness, and sense of humor. My deepest sympathy to her husband and family.

Cynthia Stempel

November 14, 2004

My dear, sweet angel,

I love you so very much and will miss you terribly until I see you again. You will never be far away though, as I will carry you in my heart always. You will forever be so much a part of who I am.

Dance without the pain Sweetheart.

Your loving sister and best friend,

Cynthia

Lisa Winslow

November 14, 2004

Bonnie's life was one of grace, beauty and strength, a privilege to witness. Though we will greatly miss her presence in our lives, we know she has reached a place where she will shine brilliantly forever and continue to touch us all. We love and admire you David and the Stempel family.

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